The United States recognizes its unique natural heritage through the designation of state symbols. These emblems reflect local identity, history, and ecology, serving as tangible connections to the landscape. For Washington State, defined by its vast, rain-soaked forests and rugged mountains, the selection of a state tree is a profound statement about its deep relationship with the environment. This choice highlights a species interwoven with the state’s economic and cultural narrative.
The Official State Tree
The official state tree of Washington is the Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). This evergreen conifer is ubiquitous in the state’s forests, especially west of the Cascade Mountains where the climate is mild and moist. Its selection reflects the region’s Pacific Northwest rainforest ecology and its identity as a leader in the timber industry. The scientific name, heterophylla, refers to the variable lengths of its needles.
Physical Traits and Natural Habitat
Physical Characteristics
The Western Hemlock is a gracefully imposing tree, commonly reaching heights between 160 and 230 feet. A distinctive feature is its drooping terminal leader, the top-most shoot, which bends gently to one side, giving the crown a signature nodding appearance. The needles are short, flat, and soft, varying in length along the branchlet, which contributes to the feathery texture of the foliage. These needles are dark green above and marked by two white bands on the underside.
Habitat and Ecology
The tree produces numerous small, papery cones, measuring about three-quarters of an inch to an inch long, which often cover the forest floor. Western Hemlock is one of the most shade-tolerant tree species in the world, thriving in the deep understory of old-growth forests. This high tolerance allows it to persist beneath the canopy of taller conifers like Douglas-fir, positioning it as a climax species in moist, low-to-mid elevation forests. It is primarily found in coastal regions from Alaska down to Northern California, flourishing in the high-rainfall areas of Washington’s Coast and Cascade Ranges.
Economic and Historical Value
Modern Economic Importance
The Western Hemlock has long been important to Washington’s economy, though it was initially overlooked for its timber until the early 20th century. It later became highly valued for its wood fiber. Today, its uniform grain and consistent density make it a versatile softwood, widely used for construction lumber, plywood, and specialty products. The species is also a primary source of pulpwood, making it an economically significant resource for the state’s paper production industry.
Historical and Cultural Uses
Before European settlement, the tree held cultural significance for various Native American tribes in the region. Indigenous communities utilized the inner bark as a source of food. The bark was rich in tannin, which was used for tanning hides. It was also boiled to create a dark red dye for coloring fishing nets, making them less visible underwater.
The Legislative Path to Symbolism
The selection of the Western Hemlock involved a public debate that gained momentum following World War II. In 1946, the matter became a topic of public discussion, with the Western Red Cedar being a popular contender. The state legislature took up the issue to formalize a symbol representing Washington’s forest heritage.
The Western Hemlock was officially designated as the state tree in 1947 when House Bill 280 was signed into law. State Representative George Adams influenced the selection, arguing the tree would form the structural backbone of the state’s future forest industry. This legislative action codified the choice, establishing the Western Hemlock as an enduring symbol of Washington’s natural resources and its connection to the timber economy.