Vanderwolf Pyramid planted in honor of graduating class

Presidential Tree PlantingPULLMAN, Wash. – President Kirk Schulz joined members of the Horticulture Club and others Thursday, April 27, for the annual tradition of planting a tree in honor of graduating seniors.

A Vanderwolf Pyramid Pine tree donated by the club was planted on the hillside north of the Lewis Alumni Centre, part of the WSU Arboretum.

The tradition began in 1985 with former President Sam Smith. The trees originally were planted near the former entrance to campus between the president’s residence and Sloan Hall.

Presidential Tree Planting with Horticulture Club

Vanderwolf Pyramid Pine is described as having soft, very blue evergreen needles with a distinctive twisting, a youthful narrow habit, and vigorous growth make this selection of limber pine ideal for a coniferous, vertical accent point in the garden. it grows to a height of 20 feet, with a width of about 6 feet.

A committee that oversees the arboretum selects the tree variety. Trees are planted in the arboretum, and the committee has named the southeast corner of the arboretum the Presidential Tree Area.

The WSU Horticulture Club is part of the university’s Department of Horticulture and provides opportunities for students to participate in plant production, plant sales, workshops, service activities and social events

Photo by Shelly Hanks, WSU Photo Services