The state tree of Georgia is the live oak. This tree, often called the evergreen oak, encompasses a number of oak tree variations characteristically exhibiting green foliage. The reason the tree is termed a live oak is because of its tendency to stay alive and green throughout the winter.
This type of oak tree and similarly associated variations are prevalent in North America and are densely populated along the east coast. They may also be found in parts of Asia and Europe. This tree has a number of uses and distinct characteristics, making it important to people beyond the Georgian state boundaries.
Among the uses exceeding those typical of lumber is American butt shipbuilding. The reason why this state tree of Georgia is so useful in this craft is the low-hanging branches and relatively short height. It is also a very dense and energy-absorbing type of wood. Though very useful for large-scale projects due to these properties, in terms of furniture use, it doesn't measure up because it tends to change shape and size in accordance with the current moisture level and temperature.
People break down the characteristics of most tress into categories, such as the type of leaf, flower, and fruit. Additionally, aspects of a tree such as the twig, bark, and form may help differentiate one species of tree from another. The state tree of Georgia has its own specific features.
The twig of the live oak is described as slender and gray, and it possesses an abundance of budding flowers. These blossoming beauties of the state tree of Georgia appear in March through May. The bark of the evergreen oak is red and scaly, tending to turn to a darker blackish hue as the season progresses.
The fruit of the live oak are acorns, and they are usually less than one inch (2.5 cm) in size. They come forth in clusters of three to five, generally speaking; of course, exceptions may exist. The form, also referred to as shape or size of the tree, tends to be medium to large in size. The branches hang low and can exhibit a large circumference — circumferences in excess of 150 feet (46 meters) have been reported among these trees. The beautiful live oaks characteristic of Georgia certainly represent this southern state in a unique way.