Stumped by a Woody Puzzle? The North Dakota State Tree Crossword Clue
There’s a unique moment every crossword solver knows well. The grid is mostly filled, a beautiful tapestry of your own cleverness. The pen is moving confidently. Then, you hit it. A wall. A clue that seems both simple and impossibly obscure at the same time. Today, for many of us, that wall was built with timber from the Great Plains. The crossword clue in question? “State trees of North Dakota.”
At first glance, it seems straightforward. But then the details start to get you. The plural, for one.
Trees?
Does North Dakota have two? Or is this a crossword clue trick, pointing to a species with a name that ends in ‘s’? Your mind starts racing through the usual suspects. Is it a type of oak? Maybe a hardy pine that can withstand the harsh winters? You might pencil in ASH or OAK, just to see how they look, but the crossing clues stubbornly refuse to cooperate.
This is the kind of crossword clue that sends you down a rabbit hole. It’s a geography clue, a botany clue, and a history clue all rolled into one. The puzzle constructor isn’t just asking you to name a tree; they’re testing your trivia knowledge on state symbols. And let’s be honest, unless you’re a resident of the Peace Garden State or a dedicated arborist, the official state tree of North Dakota might not be at the top of your mind.
Let’s break down what makes this particular crossword clue so tricky. North Dakota’s landscape is known for its vast prairies, not dense forests. So, the tree in question had to be special. It was likely a tree valued by the settlers and pioneers for specific qualities. Think about what would be most important on the open plains: Shade. Durability. A landmark. The tree designated in 1947 is a classic symbol of small-town America, a species famous for lining main streets with its majestic, vase-like canopy.
Before its population was tragically decimated by disease in the 20th century, this tree was one of the most beloved and widespread shade trees in the country. Its name evokes a sense of national pride and heritage, a fitting choice for a state emblem. The answer to this crossword clue isn’t some obscure, foreign species. It’s a name you’ve almost certainly heard before, combining a national identity with a common tree type.
So, take another look at the grid. Consider the letter count. Think about a tree that is both grand and quintessentially… well, quintessentially of this nation. It’s a name that feels both familiar and distinguished. When you finally land on the right answer, the remaining crossing words will likely click into place, providing that rush of satisfaction that makes every crossword puzzle worthwhile. You’re not just filling in squares; you’re unearthing a little piece of American history. Happy solving
Available Answers:
ELMS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0917-25 NY Times Crossword 17 Sep 25, Wednesday