Stately Treasures

Do you know your state tree? Do you know why your state tree is what it is?

Since 1990, the Arboretum’s National Grove of State Trees has paid tribute to this unique expression of local identity: the state tree. In 2021, the Arboretum launched the newest iteration of its state tree project, Stately Treasures, an app-based tour of both the Arboretum grounds and the trees representing all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Signs on the grounds point the way, but all of the tour’s content is found exclusively on the Arboretum’s free app, available both in Apple’s App Store and on Google Play. In the app, click on “Tours” and scroll to find “Stately Treasures.” Please note there is no WiFi at the Arboretum; consider installing the app ahead of your visit.

Trees, like all plants, thrive in specific environments, which means that some species either cannot grow here at all or only grow poorly. Alaska, Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, and Washington are represented on the grounds by trees that are native to those places or similar to their state trees. When reading about these states on the app, you’ll learn about their official state trees.

TIPS FOR VISITORS

The tour can be experienced by car or on foot; visiting every stop will cover about four miles.

The former National Grove of State Trees continues to offer picnic tables and seasonal bathrooms as well as a large parking lot able to accommodate buses. This area provides an ideal place to relax and enjoy lunch or a snack.

**With gratitude to the USDA Forest Service for their generous support of this project.**