We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Symbols

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the State Tree of Utah?

By M. Chambers
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,169
References
Share

The state tree of Utah is the blue spruce, also commonly referred to as Picea pungens. The blue spruce is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal shape and stiff, needle-shaped leaves. The tree also produces cylindrical cones that mature in autumn. Although size can vary, usually the blue spruce is a medium to large tree with stout, layered branches. This species of tree is widely occurring in the mountainous regions of the United States and the south-central area of Eastern Canada.

Medium to large in size, the state tree of Utah has a conic crown that becomes more cylindrical with age. The bark is usually grayish-brown or red-brown in color and scaly during the young years. As the tree matures, it develops furrows. The twigs of the blue spruce are hairless, thick, and typically red-brown in color. This species of tree is relatively long-lived and often reaches 700 to 800 years of age.

The sharp, needle-like leaves of the blue spruce are long and thick with several rows of stomata. The color of the needles is variable and can range from a muted grayish-green to a pale blue-green. The blue spruce also produces pendulous, cylindrical cones that can reach up to 4 inches (about 10 centimeters) in length. Young cones are reddish-brown in color while mature cones are pale brown.

The blue spruce is abundant in the western mountainous states of the United States, especially Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. The state tree of Utah can also be found in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as the Northeastern region of the United States. In addition, blue spruce occurs in areas of Eastern Canada, such as Nova Scotia and Ontario. The tree grows at high altitudes and is typically seen along streams of mountain valleys.

An ornamental tree, the blue spruce is the official state tree of both Utah and Colorado and is widely grown and used for the Christmas tree industry. It is often a desirable choice for an ornamental Christmas tree because it requires very little shearing and has an attractive, natural appearance. The state tree of Utah is also commonly planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and nature reserves.

Although the wood of the blue spruce is suitable for fuel and the lumber industry, it is not widely used due to the fact that the species is typically found in inaccessible locations. In the wild, the blue spruce provides seeds and shelter for rodents and certain species of birds. In limited areas of the western United States, the tree is also used in shelterbelt plantations, which help to protect soil from deterioration.

Share
America Explained is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.americaexplained.org/what-is-the-state-tree-of-utah.htm
Copy this link
America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

America Explained, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.