Apple: State Symbol

Washington is the nation's top apple-producing state, so it is appropriate that the apple was named a state symbol in 1989. The shame is that it did not ocurr earlier. It was a fine occasion though; their centennial year. The apple trees of eastern Washington represent one of the largest industries in the state. More than half of all apples grown in the United States for fresh eating come from orchards in Washington state. The Washington apple is certainly one of the most recognized symbols of the North West if not the nation.

Washington state has gone so far as to appoint an apple comission [here: http://www.bestapples.com/ ]

More than 225,000 acres of orchards are nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cascade Mountains. These orchards are irrigated with cool clean mountain water. The area first became known to American pioneers at the turn of the 19th century. By 1826, early settlers had discovered the area’s rich lava-ash soil and plentiful sunshine created perfect conditions for growing apples. The arid climate also meant fewer insect and disease problems and a smoother finish on the apples than in some other places. This makes for a fine apple my friend.

sadly the state tree is not the apple tree.. it is the Western Hemlock. Spurred on by a Oregon newspaper the Portland Oregonian picked out the western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla. It was signed into law in 1947.