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What Is the State Tree of Vermont? History, Facts, & FAQ

sugar maple tree

Each of the 50 states chose a tree to represent the state, and all except for Hawaii picked one that is native to the state. Learning about the history behind these choices can be a great deal of fun. For instance, Vermont chose the Sugar Maple, but why? Keep reading to find this out, along with other interesting facts.

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What Is the Sugar Maple Tree?

The Sugar Maple is an extremely popular tree that is easy to find in the eastern United States and Canada. It has several nicknames, including Rock Maple, Sugar Tree, and Sweet Maple. You might also know it as Hard Maple if you are in the woodworking business. It is an incredibly important tree economically because it is the primary source of sap used to make maple syrup and sugar, with only one other variety, the Black Maple, helping to contribute.

Sugar maple tree in autumn
Photo Credit By: Mircea Costina, Shutterstock

What Does the Sugar Maple Look Like?

The Sugar Maple is a large tree that can often grow to heights exceeding 100 feet, with some growing as tall as 150 feet. It has wide leaves that produce spectacular yellow and red colors during the fall and yellow-green flowers without petals in early spring after age 20. It also has an incredibly long lifespan and can live well beyond 200 years.

When Did Vermont Choose the Sugar Maple as Its State Tree?

Governor Ernest Gibson Jr. signed Senate Bill Number 3 as part of the Vermont State Legislature, naming the Sugar Maple as Vermont’s state tree on March 10, 1949.

Why Did the People of Vermont Choose the Sugar Maple as Its State Tree?

The Sugar Maple is the state tree of Vermont due to its historical importance to the people, which extends back hundreds of years. Each spring, the people collect sap from the trees and boil it to make maple syrup and sugar, and large communities form to handle the workload. These communities help Vermont produce more maple products than any other state. Also, the bright-colored leaves create scenic delights that attract plenty of tourists every autumn.

Sugar Maple Trees
Photo Credit By: Paula Cobleigh, Shutterstock

Other Interesting Facts About Vermont

Facts:
  • Vermont was the first state to outlaw slavery.
  • Vermont has the lowest number of violent crimes in the entire country.
  • Milk is Vermont’s number-one farm product, which is why it’s the state drink.
  • There is no billboard advertising in Vermont.
  • Vermont is the largest producer of marble in the country.
  • New York and New Hampshire tried to claim Vermont at various times throughout history.
  • Vermont has the second smallest state population.
  • The state amphibian of Vermont is the northern leopard frog.
  • The state bird of Vermont is the hermit thrush.
  • The state flower of Vermont is the red clover.
  • The motto of Vermont is “Freedom and Unity.”

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Summary

The Sugar Maple is the state tree of Vermont. The Vermont State Legislature approved the nomination on March 10, 1949, due to its importance to the settlers as a cash crop and its part in creating the communities that still live there today. It also produces some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in the country, causing many people to travel there each year.

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Featured Image Credit: Mircea Costina, Shutterstock

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