Q: On November 20, the so-called "Cedar Crest Christmas tree" was delivered to Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer and First Lady Ruth Colyer at Cedar Crest, the governor's mansion, in Topeka. Which type of tree is it?
A - Austrian Pine
B - Balsam Fir
C - Colorado Blue Spruce
D - Western White Spruce
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A: Austrian pine
On the morning of November 20, 2018, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer and First Lady Ruth Colyer received the Cedar Crest Christmas tree at the Governor’s mansion (also known as Cedar Crest). The 8-foot Austrian pine tree arrived via horse-drawn carriage. Also on board the carriage was a fresh Christmas wreath provided by Chris Seets of Chris’s Tree Lodge. Willy and Mary Goevert of 4C Tree Farm donated the Christmas tree this year, which was presented to the Governor and the First Lady by Celia Goering, president of the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association. ( Read more here.)
According to the Kansas Forest Service, the Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) is native to western Europe. Introduced to this country in the mid-1800s, it has been planted extensively as an ornamental and conservation plant. In Kansas, Austrian pine grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet with a spread of 20 to 25 feet. On most soils, growth rate is usually 12 to 18 inches per year.
Why do we even have Christmas trees, anyway? Let's check with the Kansas Historical Society to find out.
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