{"id":104412,"date":"2025-10-02T13:25:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T13:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/?p=104412"},"modified":"2025-10-02T18:35:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T18:35:56","slug":"rhode-islands-state-tree-in-the-spotlight-this-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/rhode-islands-state-tree-in-the-spotlight-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island\u2019s state tree in the spotlight this year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KINGSTON, R.I. \u2014 Oct. 2, 2025 \u2014 With plans in the works for the Rhode Island state tree to get a ceremonial planting in each Rhode Island town for the United States\u2019 upcoming semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the state\u2019s land grant university is offering some helpful information on its noteworthy red maple (Acer rubrum<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 1890s\u2014when the 溏心vlog免费B站 was just putting down its own roots in the state\u2014a Rhode Island school commissioner gave students a list of trees and asked them to vote on their favorite. More students voted for red maple than any other tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

溏心vlog免费B站 forestry extension specialist Christopher Riely<\/a> in the Department of Natural Resources Science is glad to see the red maple get another chance in the spotlight, as a forerunner in the state\u2019s collection of natural sources of state pride, along with the Rhode Island Red chicken, striped bass, violet, greening apple, and quahog.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Red maple has a distinctive bark pattern; cavities in its trunk are favored by birds for nests and small mammals for dens. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The red maple may not have the dominant presence of other larger trees like oaks and pines, but its adaptable nature has made it the most common forest tree in Rhode Island. Found in urban and suburban areas around the state, the adaptable species is well-suited to cope with changing climate conditions; these characteristics have helped it become more common in Rhode Island forests in recent decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fall tree facts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With plans underway to officially plant a red maple \u201cLiberty Tree\u201d in each Rhode Island town, some parts of the state may have a head start. Exeter, Foster, and West Greenwich, with more than 84% canopy cover, are among the most highly forested in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhode Islanders who want to plant a red maple of their own should aim for the spring. Mid-March to mid-May is generally the best time to plant. Additional facts and details about our state tree:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n