Let's Talk Trees! Quiz | Thematic Plants

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. As I passed the slender low-hanging branches of a lovely tree found by the river, I shed a tear or two. Science calls this a "Salix Babylonica" but what is its popular name?

Answer: Weeping Willow

The Weeping Willow is a beautiful member of the phylum Magnoliophyta. The other options are inventions.

2. Our village blacksmith in the 1800s has large strong hands and his brow is "wet with honest sweat." According to the poet Henry Wordsworth, under which tree does he labor?

Answer: Chestnut tree

"Under the spreading chestnut tree, the village smithy stands. A smith, a mighty man is he, with large and sinewy hands..." Wordsworth's poem about a widower trying to ply his trade and raise his children while respecting his wife's memory in church is a poignant portrait of village life.

The other options may be found in the American landscape.

3. In 1973, Dawn with Tony Orlando had a number one hit in the US, UK and Australia involving a yellow adornment and which hardwood tree?

Answer: Oak

"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" was a worldwide hit in 1973. The other answers are lovely trees in their own right.

4. What is the name of Madagascar's national tree? They are tall and have very large water-holding trunks - these very long lived trees are also found throughout the African continent.

Answer: Baobab

The baobab is sometimes known as the "tree of life" and the "upside down tree." For much of the year in this environment, the tree doesn't have leaves and thus looks like it's upside down with roots in the air. One of the oldest and widest baobab trees is located in Modjadjiskloof, South Africa. As these trees hollow inside as they age, this stalwart 1,500 year old tree now serves as a pub. (Check out "The Big Baobab" for a great vacation destination.)

A redwood is a lovely tree found in California. Tidal Palms and Absaloms are not trees.

5. In August, 2006, naturalists Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor discovered the tallest recorded tree in the world in Redwood National Park in California, USA. At 379.7 ft (115.72 m), this wonder was named after which Greek mythical Titan child of Gaia and Uranus?

Answer: Hyperion

Hyperion is actually one foot taller than originally measured. Helios is the second tallest tree as recorded by Atkins and Taylor at 377 ft. The third tallest is named Nugget at 373 ft. and the fourth is Stratosphere Giant at 372 ft. Bringing up the final five is Paradox at 371 ft. All of these wonders are redwood trees.

Hyperion was one of the twelve Titan children in the Greek pantheon. He is credited for noting the movement of "the sun and moon and other stars, and the seasons as caused by these bodies" (cite Diodorus Siculus circa 1 BC.)

The other options include demi-gods (Hercules and Achilles) and a human (Paris.)

6. Which biblical name refers to a yucca plant that grows as a tree, has spiky leaves and is found in arid regions of the American Southwest?

Answer: Joshua Tree

Joshua was a major figure in the Bible during the Exodus of the Jews. He led the people after Moses died (cite Joshua I NIV edition of the Bible.) According to legend, the plant received its name when the westward traveling Mormon pioneers thought its limbs resembled the arms of Joshua leading them to the promised land.

Legend holds that a Judas Tree is the one that the betrayer hung himself from. However, midwestern Americans enjoy this "Cercis" species as a wonderful flowering tree called redbuds. (I have one in my front yard.)

A Thorn of Jesus is an invention.

7. I am nicknamed a "Quakie." I am a wonderfully strange tree - a stand (group) of me is actually a single organism whose life force lives underground. A system of roots grows until enough sunlight allows shoots to emerge which turn into trees. My leaves shake in the slightest breeze thus my name. What is my more formal name?

Answer: Aspen

The Quaking or Trembling Aspen is a fascinating tree. Commonly known as a "Quakie," it a beautiful sight along the edge of pine, spruce or fir forests. The leaves turn a lovely yellow during autumn. (Please see the National Park - Bryce Canyon site for more information.)

Birch trees, Ghost Gums and Madrones are all alternatives to Aspens for landscaping purposes but are not called Quakies.

8. Located in California between Cypress Point Golf Course and Pebble Beach Golf Links, this 250 year old (estimated) member of the Cupressus genus is considered to be one of the most photographed trees in North America. What is it commonly known as?

Answer: Lone Cypress

The Lone Cypress is a wonderful tree. Scarred by fire, it has been held in place on its promontory by cables for 65 years. (Please check out its photos for breathtaking views of this iconic national treasure.)

A Slippery Elm is an actual tree of the family Ulmas rubra. The other options are inventions.

9. Every year, a Christmas tree is provided to New York, Washington D.C., London and Edinburgh which is placed in the central square of each city. This gift is sent by Norway's capital city - Oslo. What is the name of this lovely tree?

Answer: Norway Spruce

The Norway Spruce is the most popular Christmas tree in Europe. The Scots Pine was a favorite during the 1950s - 1980s in America, but not so much today. A Silver Fir is abundant in central and southern Europe. Frasier Firs are extremely popular in the United Kingdom - they are grown by the thousands in Scotland. They are also the most used Christmas trees in America's White House.

10. The state symbol of Louisiana, USA is a unique conifer that is deciduous (it loses its foliage in the fall.) It thrives in wet, swampy soils such as riverbanks or floodplains. What is this tree called? (Hint - think hair follicle.)

Answer: Bald Cypress

The Bald Cypress was designated as the official state tree of Louisiana in 1963. This lovely tree develops different shapes depending upon the water levels in flood plains and swamp levels in which it grows. In wet environments, it develops "knees" that grow from its roots. It is thought that these growths help to provide stability in the uncertain soil levels of moist soil levels.

The other answers were inventions.

Source: Author CirceMagic

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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Let's Talk Trees! Trivia Quiz

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