We have a special, holiday themed Plant of the Week today: The Christmas Tree!
There are many different evergreen trees used for Christmas, including cedar, pine, fir, and cypress trees depending on where you live. In fact, the Leyland cypress has become popular in recent years in the southeastern U.S. They’re known for their fast growth, conical shapes, and dense, “feather-soft” foliage. They also grow better in the south compared to other varieties. It takes an average of 7 years to grow a Christmas tree, but can range from 4 to 15 years depending on the species and growing conditions. Real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen like all trees, promoting cleaner air. They’re also 100% biodegradable!
Did you know that over 30 million Christmas trees are sold every year? The tradition comes from Germany, with the first printed reference to one in 1531. The first National Christmas Tree Lighting in America was held in Washington, D.C. on December 24, 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. What’s your favorite type of Christmas tree?