Can you guess Massachusetts’ arboreal emblem?

The answer to the crossword question “Arboreal symbol of Massachusetts is ELMTREE” is a reference to the official state tree of Massachusetts, which is the American elm tree. The American elm was designated as the state tree in 1941 and is widely recognized as a symbol of the state’s natural beauty and resilience. The tree was once a prominent feature of the rural landscape in Massachusetts, but has suffered greatly from Dutch elm disease, which has caused significant declines in population in recent decades. Despite these challenges, however, the American elm remains an important symbol of Massachusetts and its history, and efforts are underway to save and restore remaining elm populations. Overall, the answer to this crossword question reflects an important aspect of Massachusetts’ cultural and environmental identity.