Some for the roof and some for the beam,
And some for a boat to breast the storm;
In the wealth of the wood since the world began
The trees have offered their gifts to man.
—HENRY VAN DYKE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Environmental Resources
Harrisburg, 1971
INTRODUCTION
Pennsylvania, with its unique geographical position, has 102 kinds of trees native to the State, although there are numerous introduced species growing and thriving in this latitude and climate. In addition, at least 21 large native shrubs sometimes grow to tree size and form.
Less than half of these native trees are presently classified as important timber species. But research in wood uses is rapidly progressing and some of the so-called “weed trees” may assume considerable importance in the future.
The selection of 50 native trees and 4 introduced species described in this booklet was based chiefly on numerical occurrence and value for timber, shade or ornamental purposes.