What Is Kansas State Tree?

What Is Kansas State Tree
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What is Kansas State tree called?

Cottonwood, also known as Populus deltoides, is the official state tree of Kansas and may be found growing wild across the state. Dimensions at Maturity It can reach heights of up to 100 feet and spans between 50 and 70 feet. Cottonwood is a fast-growing tree that may sometimes grow as much as 8 feet per year when given the right amount of rain.

Fruit, Stems, and Leaves The leaves are simple and grouped in an alternating pattern along the stem. The leaves have a triangular shape with pointy points and a broad base; their length ranges from 2 1/2 to 5 inches, and their width is almost as much as their length. In April, flowers develop before leaves on most plants.

Both male and female catkins grow on their own individual trees. In May or the beginning of June, the fruits reach maturity, and the “cotton” that is generated by the female plants is harvested. Young trees have smooth bark that is yellow-green in color.

The older bark has a bluish-gray color, is heavily furrowed and has large ridges that are capped with a flat surface. Cottonwood may be utilized in the production of pulp, and its timber is utilized in the construction of pallets and other low-grade structures. Fuelwood: The rapid growth rate of cottonwood trees provide an opportunity for the production of fuelwood.

However, despite its ease of processing into fuelwood, it has a high rate of combustion and produces little heat. Cottonwood trees offer a safe haven for a diverse array of species, including turkeys, deer, and other game animals. Both whitetail and mule deer use branches and leaves as part of their diets.

Cottonwood trees can be planted to serve as windbreaks in some areas. It is recommended that it not be planted any closer than 25 feet from other plants that develop at a slower rate because of its great size and quick growth. Cottonwood has evolved over the whole state and thrives in wet, loamy soils.

However, it can grow in almost any soil as long as there is sufficient moisture. On most highland soils, the amount of moisture available is a limiting issue. When planting in numerous rows, the normal spacing is eighteen to twenty-four feet between each row and eighteen to twenty-four feet inside each row.

  1. Plantings are done using seedlings that are between 18 and 24 inches tall and have been bare-rooted for one year.
  2. When there is sufficient water accessible, the seedlings are simple to germinate and grow.
  3. They respond well to effective weed and grass management, particularly in the first three years of their lives.

They are unable to function in the shade. Cottonwood is susceptible to a wide variety of insect and disease pests, the latter of which are particularly damaging to trees with low vigor. Maintain vitality by ensuring that the soil has the right amount of moisture.

Why is the cottonwood Kansas state tree?

In spite of the fact that trees in Kansas were generally smaller and fewer in number than those found in the more heavily forested eastern United States, settlers in the new state found a large number of trees. In spite of the fact that Kansas is home to a diverse collection of natural tree species, the cottonwood (Populus deltoides) was selected to serve as the official state tree of the state.

The Kansas Legislature chose the cottonwood tree as the state tree in 1937 for the following reasons: “Whereas, if the full truth were known, it might honestly be said that the successful growth of the cottonwood grove on the homestead was often the determining factor in the decision of the homesteader to’stick it out until he could prove up on his claim’; and Whereas, The cottonwood tree can rightfully be called ‘the pioneer tree of Kansas.'” The cottonwood tree played an important When stands of cottonwood trees were available, early settlers made use of them as a source of lumber for construction.

The timber derived from cottonwood trees was not necessarily the material of choice for construction. It was pliable, but not very strong, and it had a lot of holes in it. After being exposed to dry air, its high water content caused it to distort. Because the trunk did not develop in a symmetrical manner, it could not be used for construction purposes unless other, more robust species were unavailable.

  • Cottonwoods have a quick growth rate and, given the right conditions, may reach a height of approximately 90 meters (100 feet) in just 15 years.
  • After 40 years, more trees will have reached their mature height.
  • After their first period of rapid development, they can continue to live for an additional 100 years or more after that.

They are able to generate offspring by use of the fluffy fibers known as cotton, which are carried to new sites by the winds of Kansas. They are also able to develop from cuttings taken from older trees, root sprouts, and even ancient stumps. Bark that has reached its full maturity is better able to withstand the intense heat of grassland fires.

At the beginning of the summer, female cottonwood trees emit “cotton” into the air, which gives the impression that snow is falling. The leaf of the cottonwood tree is brilliant green in color and has the form of a wide triangle. More recent kinds have been created that are “cottonless.” The underside of the leaf is quite parallel to the ground.

It has uneven, jagged edges, and the point at the end of the leaf is rather pointed. The leaves bend and curve in response to the breezes. Even on days when the air is quite calm, the leaves provide a shimmering appearance, as well as a distinctive, gentle rustling sound.

Is the cottonwood tree native to Kansas?

Cottonwoods are huge, deciduous trees that are native to Kansas. Their scientific name is Populus deltoides, and they are classified as ornamentals. The leaf has a basic shape that resembles a triangle, and its border is notched. Leaves are alternating.

Cottonwood trees, fall color Cottonwood foliage
Cottonwood flower

How tall can a cottonwood tree grow?

What Is the Average Growth Rate of a Cottonwood Tree? The cottonwood tree is the tree species with the quickest growth rate in North America. A young tree may increase more than two meters, or 6 feet, to its height in a single year. Because of this quick development, the wood becomes fragile and is readily harmed.

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Where is the oldest tree in Kansas?

Age

Nr Tree species Location
1 Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia) Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita, Sedgwick County
Westlink Spire, Brian, Wichita, Sedgwick County
2 Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita, Sedgwick County
Missouri River, White Cloud, Brown County

Where is the largest cottonwood tree in Kansas?

Kansas City, Missouri – A stately tree in Kansas City’s historic Kessler Park now holds the honor of being Missouri’s largest eastern cottonwood tree. Furthermore, according to the formula used by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for measuring record trees, it is the state’s largest known living tree of any kind.

  1. Both of these accolades were bestowed upon the tree by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
  2. According to Chuck Conner, an urban forester with the MDC who measured the tree, the newly crowned champion cottonwood is larger than the previous state record holder, which is a cottonwood that grows in the St.

Louis region. The most recent winner in Kansas City emerges from a swale on a bluff close to Lookout Point overlooking the Missouri River. Just to the west of the former hilltop reservoir is where you’ll find the tree on the disc golf course that’s shared by Cliff Drive and Kessler Park.

  • Evin Lapointe, the municipal forester of Kansas City, referred to the recognition as “great honor for us.” The tree has a diameter of 344 inches and is wider than nine feet across the middle of the trunk.
  • We’re delighted it’s in the park system so anybody can come up and appreciate it.” It has a height of 125 feet and a spread of 120 feet across its top.

The cottonwood was given a score of 499 points based on a system developed by MDC that takes measures into consideration and is used to evaluate state champion trees. According to Conner, the imposing cottonwood tree is probably older than seventy years.

  • Cottonwoods are one of the fastest growing trees in the world and may reach enormous proportions in only a few decades.
  • The newly crowned state champion is now unchallenged by any other trees, with the exception of another enormous cottonwood tree that is growing quite a distance away.
  • Conner mentioned that the plant’s roots are probably in good soil because of its placement in the swale, which helps retain moisture.

In spite of this, the tree has been able to endure blizzards, as well as strong winds. The lower branches are big and extend out in a wide arc. The tree was proposed by Grandview resident Steve Aduddell. You may get further details on the Missouri State Champion Trees by visiting the website at http://on.mo.gov/1vW16tv.

What kind of wood is cottonwood?

DISTRIBUTION Main commercial regions are located in the middle and southern states of the United States. The sapwood is white and may have brown streaks, while the heartwood may be pale to light brown in color. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The sapwood is white.

It has a rough surface and is a porous and diffuse type of wood. The grain of the wood is typically straight, and there are not many imperfections in the material. Since cottonwood is a real poplar, it shares many of the same qualities and attributes that are associated with aspen. WORKING PROPERTIES The general machinability of the material is satisfactory; nevertheless, tension wood is frequently present, which, when cut, might result in a fuzzy surface.

This, in turn, will demand further attention when finishing the material. The wood is easy to glue and has a strong resistance to cracking when it is being screwed or nailed into. It dries quickly but there is still a possibility that it will warp, along with some variation in its performance.

  • Cottonwood has a low specific gravity and weighs less than other types of wood.
  • The wood is pliable, but it cannot withstand bending or compression very well, and it has a limited resistance to shock.
  • AVAILABILITY You can get your hands on it easily.
  • MAIN APPLICATIONS Toys, millwork and molding, furniture, furniture arts, cooking utensils, and furniture arts.

Caskets, venetian blinds, and shutters are some of the specialized uses for this material.

What’s the tallest tree in Kansas?

Age

Nr Tree species Year
1 Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia) 2013
2 Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) 2013

How old do cottonwood trees get?

“Woodman, don’t cut down that tree! Oh, so that’s what you have in mind to do? Cool! By Laura Kriho When the young CU student saw two workmen with ropes and helmets getting ready to climb the enormous plains cottonwood tree outside of Old Main, panic gripped her, and a sensation of impending doom built in her gut.

This article was contributed by Laura Kriho. Were they planning to tear down this tree, which was both the oldest and the tallest on campus, and which had provided the CU community in the Norlin Quadrangle with beauty and shade for more than one hundred years? In a state of terror, she went all the way across the quad and faced the workmen.

She interrogated him by asking, “What are you doing?” An arborist working for CU-Facilities Boulder’s Management named Vince Aquino gave the following response when asked what they planned to do with the tree: “We’re planning to clone the tree.” When Aquino said, “We need to climb up into the canopy of the tree in order to obtain some cuttings,” the student’s countenance gradually went from one of concern to one of acceptance as Aquino grinned.

The student let out a sigh of relief, and her scowl eventually gave way to a grin when he offered her the reassurance that “don’t worry,” he would not be chopping the tree down. She gushed, “I couldn’t be happier at CU-Boulder!” She was ecstatic that this lovely tree would be allowed to remain in the quad, and she was glad that her university showed such concern for the trees on its campus.

She thanked the arborists for their work, and then she ran off to her next class. Indeed, the Old Main Cottonwood is being given a second chance at life. Arborists Aquino and Joel Serafin from Facilities Management took cuttings from the tree’s canopy throughout the month of October.

  • The baby-cottonwood clones are forming roots (for a related video of the cloning process, see the section above).
  • After that, the cuttings were entrusted into Tom Lemieux’s care, who is the manager of the CU Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EBIO) Greenhouse, which is located on 30th Street in Boulder.

The cuttings have taken root and will continue to be nurtured in the greenhouse until some point in 2015, at which point they will be transplanted into their permanent locations. The cuttings will result in the development of a clone, which is a genetically identical copy of the Old Main Cottonwood.

According to Aquino, “Plains cottonwoods are really rather simple to clone due to the fact that they naturally reproduce by splitting into pieces, dropping in the water, and then re-rooting somewhere.” Lemieux adds that there will be no genetic engineering done to the clone, thus it will be an exact genetic copy.

“All we do is take cuttings and root them, which is the conventional technique of vegetative replication,” says Lemieux. “They ought to be ready either next spring or early summer.” I believe that we will have sufficient cuttings for Vince to plant that genotype in a number of different locations all across campus.

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Joel Serafin and Vince Aquino, arborists Tom Lemieux, manager of the CU-Boulder greenhouse

Plains cottonwoods, which belong to the species Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera, are renowned as the “pioneer trees of the plains” as a result of their resilience and capacity to endure severe climatic conditions. Cottonwoods native to the Plains have an expected lifetime of 70 years and can grow to a height of between 60 and 80 feet.

The Old Main Cottonwood is somewhere between 135 and 140 years old, is 108 feet tall, and has a trunk that is 19 feet in circumference at its base. As a result of its excellent genetics and its location in close proximity to the Anderson Ditch, which has made it possible for it to drink as much water as it need, it has grown to become the oldest and tallest tree on the campus.

The Old Main Cottonwood is an excellent candidate for cloning because of its taller-than-average height and older-than-average age. The earliest structure ever constructed on campus, Old Main was finished in 1876. Photographs taken in a sepia tone show the structure standing tall and isolated on a windswept mesa.

It is flanked on all sides by a desolate and barren terrain consisting of nothing but rocks, rabbits, and sagebrush. Between the years 1877 to 1884, Joseph A. Sewall, the university’s first president, and his wife, Ann, made their home in Old Main. The objective to improve the aesthetics of the University of Colorado campus by increasing the amount of tree cover was spearheaded by President Sewall, who was instrumental in the effort.

Timothy W. Stanton, who received his degree from the University of Colorado in 1883, recalls Sewall’s efforts to beautify the campus with trees during his time there. Stanton noted in “Reminiscences of an Institution 65 Years Ago” that “His tall thin figure with a hoe or shovel guiding the water to the cottonwood trees, some of which he had himself planted around the university, was a familiar sight.” The Old Main Cottonwood was planted in 1879 or 1880.

According to a document that was located in the archives of the University of Colorado in 1879, the institution spent $35 out of its general revenue to purchase 42 plains cottonwoods that came with a warranty of one year. A second voucher from 1880 stated that the university acquired 43 more cottonwoods at a cost of just $17.50 each.

This indicates that part of the initial batch of cottonwoods that were planted may not have been able to make it. In 1888, members of the teaching staff and students of the university began the practice of celebrating Arbor Day by planting trees on the campus.

This is an annual event that continues to this day. The Arbor Day Foundation bestowed the “Tree Campus USA” title upon CU-Boulder in 2011 in order to acknowledge the university for its exceptional dedication to the preservation of the trees that are located on its campus. The grove of cottonwood trees that used to surround Old Main has shrunk over the years as the trees have succumbed to age and died.

However, the Old Main Cottonwood continues to thrive on the south side of the building despite the grove of cottonwood trees surrounding Old Main having shrunk over the years. However, given that it is almost twice as old as a typical cottonwood tree in the plains, its time may be running out.

It’s a gigantic, magnificent, imposing tree, and it’s got exceptional health for its age and species,” says Aquino. “But because it’s fairly ancient, we have to keep a constant check on it.” Cottonwood trees provide a hazard due to the potential for falling branches, which might result in damage to property or injury to those standing below.

According to Aquino, “it’s a species that grows extremely fast, therefore it can have very soft wood that’s prone to fracture.” Since it’s a species that develops so quickly, the wood can be highly fragile. The campus arborists place a high premium on safety in their line of work.

  1. We don’t take any shortcuts with our risk assessment.
  2. When this tree becomes past an acceptable threshold of risk, it will have to be removed.
  3. That’s probably going to be within the next five to 10 years.
  4. Hopefully, it will be here longer than that, but we have to be realistic about it.” It’s hard to imagine the Old Main Cottonwood being in better hands than with dedicated arborists Aquino and Serafin on duty.

“We do everything we can to keep it around for as long as we can,” says Aquino. “This tree gets climbed every year by a team of climbers who inspect literally every foot of it to check for defects and decay.” “We’re hopeful every year to get a clean bill of health, but we have to be realistic, and this tree, unfortunately, is near the end of its lifespan.” Now, thanks to the new baby cottonwood clones that are taking root in the CU Greenhouse, the genetics of this celebrated tree can live on in CU history for many future generations of students to admire and enjoy, even after the majestic beauty of the original cottonwood tree that once stood in front of Old Main eventually perishes.

### Our sincere gratitude goes out to David Hays of the CU Archives for supplying the photographs of Old Main that may be found below. Also, many thanks to Harvey Gardiner, a former archivist at the University of Colorado, for contributing an essay about cottonwoods to the Carillon (4/20/2001). The College of Arts and Sciences has appointed Laura Kriho to the role of online and publications coordinator.

Dec.15, 2014

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Does every state have a state tree?

Each of the fifty states in the United States, in addition to many of the territories, has officially designated a state tree. With the exception of Hawaii’s state tree, all of these trees are native to the state in which they are selected as the official tree of the state, and they thrive there in their natural habitat.

  1. Following the state, the common name, the scientific name, and the year that the enabling law was passed are provided for each state tree.
  2. You will also see a poster of Smokey Bear posing with trees from each state.
  3. In this area, you will find an example of each tree, along with a fruit and a leaf.
  4. The longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, was designated as the official state tree of Alabama in 1997.

The Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis, was designated as the official state tree of Alaska in 1962. The palo verde tree, Cercidium microphyllum, was designated as the official state tree of Arizona in 1939. The California redwood, Sequoia giganteum and Sequoia sempervirens, was designated as the official state tree Oklahoma State Tree, Eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis, enacted 1937 Oregon State Tree, Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, enacted 1939 Pennsylvania State Tree, eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis, enacted 1931 Puerto Rico State Tree, silk-cotton tree, Ceiba pentandra Rhododendron, enacted 1931 North Dakota State Tree, American elm, Ul monilifera, which was legislated in 1947 * The state of California has chosen two different kinds of trees to serve as its official tree.

  1. Although the state of Iowa has not officially designated a particular species of oak as its state tree, many people consider the bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa, to be the state tree of Iowa since it is the species that can be found in the greatest abundance across the state.
  2. The Southern Magnolia, also known as Magnolia grandiflora, is often considered to be the official state tree of Mississippi, despite the fact that no single species of magnolia was declared as the state tree of Mississippi.

The United States National Arboretum was the source of this particular piece of information. The United States is home to many of the state trees that are described in this article. The “National Grove of State Trees” is within the National Arboretum.

Do cottonwood trees grow fast?

Cottonwood trees are capable of adding an additional 6 feet to their height year, making them the trees in North America with the quickest growth rate.

Is cottonwood good to burn in a fireplace?

Cottonwood has a density that is lower than that of other hardwoods. This produces firewood that consumes oxygen rapidly but produces a significant amount of ash. However, it has the ability to produce a good bed of coals, which means that your fire won’t go out as soon as it would with a softer wood.

Is cottonwood good for anything?

What Is Kansas State Tree If you have an interest in woodworking, you will find that all of us like working with a variety of woods. Although many of them are common, some of them are not. One of them is the cottonwood tree. But those who have just begun working with cottonwood frequently have the question, “Is cottonwood a good wood for woodworking?” on their minds.

  1. My experience with cottonwood has taught me that the answer is yes.
  2. However, it is not strongly suggested.
  3. Cottonwood is a suitable wood to utilize for specific types of woodworking mostly due to the fact that it is lightweight, tasteless, and odorless.
  4. Cottonwood is used for a wide variety of things, including but not limited to the creation of crates, boxes, fences, and toys for children.

Nevertheless, this is only a brief summary of the issue at hand. The type of cottonwood that you end up using will, of course, have an impact on the outcome of this. Before we can start working on any one-of-a-kind furniture for our home, we need to take into account the strength, stability, workability, and texture of the wood that we will be using.

Can you use cottonwood for lumber?

Cottonwood timber has a number of advantageous qualities, including its low weight and its resistance to splitting when it is nailed or otherwise secured. As a result of this, it has been utilized in the production of crates and boxes, and even occasionally pallets, particularly in situations where heavy loading would not occur.

What’s the tallest tree in Kansas?

Age

Nr Tree species Year
1 Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia) 2013
2 Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) 2013

Is Cottonwood a tree?

Cottonwood (Poplar) The cottonwood, which is sometimes referred to as the poplar, is a tall tree that has a spreading crown. It gets its name from the cotton-like seeds that it produces.

What kind of wood is cottonwood?

DISTRIBUTION Main commercial regions are located in the middle and southern states of the United States. The sapwood is white and may have brown streaks, while the heartwood may be pale to light brown in color. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The sapwood is white.

It has a rough surface and is a porous and diffuse type of wood. The grain of the wood is typically straight, and there are not many imperfections in the material. Since cottonwood is a real poplar, it shares many of the same qualities and attributes that are associated with aspen. WORKING PROPERTIES The general machinability of the material is satisfactory; nevertheless, tension wood is frequently present, which, when cut, might result in a fuzzy surface.

This, in turn, will demand further attention when finishing the material. The wood is easy to glue and has a strong resistance to cracking when it is being screwed or nailed into. It dries quickly but there is still a possibility that it will warp, along with some variation in its performance.

  • Cottonwood has a low specific gravity and weighs less than other types of wood.
  • The wood is pliable, but it cannot withstand bending or compression very well, and it has a limited resistance to shock.
  • AVAILABILITY You can get your hands on it easily.
  • MAIN APPLICATIONS Toys, millwork and molding, furniture, furniture arts, cooking utensils, and furniture arts.

Caskets, venetian blinds, and shutters are some of the specialized uses for this material.

What is the state motto for Kansas?

State Motto The state phrase of Kansas is “Ad astra per aspera,” which translates to “to the stars through difficulties.” This motto is meant to symbolize the challenges that Kansas faced when dealing with issues like as slavery, Indian raids, and the impending war.