By Scout Nelson
In 1937, Kansas lawmakers chose the cottonwood tree as the official state tree. Known for its fast growth and need for moisture, the tree often indicated that a homestead was thriving. When cottonwoods grew well, crops usually followed suit, giving settlers hope that they could succeed on the land.
"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,” said legislators. “The cottonwood tree can rightfully be called the pioneer tree of Kansas."
Other prairie states like Nebraska and Wyoming also chose the cottonwood for similar reasons. A large cottonwood once stood beside the Kansas Statehouse, shading presidents and citizens alike. Some believe it grew from a stake used during the Capitol’s construction in 1866, though it's more likely it was already growing there. This historic tree died in 1984, but a new one now stands in its place, grown from a cutting of the original.
Cottonwoods are among the tallest trees in Kansas, growing up to 100 feet with thick trunks. These towering trees often served as landmarks, like one in Osage County that marked a key turn on the Santa Fe Trail.
Their name comes from the fluffy white seeds they release each June. These seeds float in the air like cotton and are carried by the wind, helping the trees spread far and wide.
More than just a tree, cottonwoods represent resilience, adaptability, and the strength to survive in tough environments. These are the same qualities early settlers needed to succeed. Today, cottonwoods stand as living symbols of Kansas’s pioneer spirit and the power of determination.
Photo Credit: kansas-farm-bureau
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables