There’s One In Michigan But What is a Moon Tree?

Michigan has many different types of trees but only one is called a "Moon Tree." What is a moon tree and where is it located?

Trees Found in Michigan

Michigan has a great variety of trees in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Michigan trees recently showed off their fall colors and were stunning for those who took the time to notice.

👇BELOW: Learn About Michigan Shoe Trees👇

Michigan has over 75 native tree species and below is a list of the most common found in the Great Lakes State:

• Ash
• Aspen
• Balsam Fir
• Basswood
• Beech
• Birch
• Black Cherry
• Chestnut
• Cottonwood
• Hemlock
• Hickory
• Jack Pine
• Michigan Holly
• Oak
• Paw Paw
• Poplar
• Quaking Aspen
• Red Maple
• Red Pine
• Sugar Maple
• Tamarack
• Walnut
• White Ash
• White Cedar
• White Oak
• White Pine

I looked at the big list of over 75 native trees in Michigan but nowhere did I find a "moon tree".

Read More: Is Dumpster Diving Legal or Illegal in Michigan?

What is a Moon Tree and Where Can It Be Found in Michigan?

A moon tree is not a tree in a photo where the moon is pictured perfectly behind it but makes for a great photo.

According to MLive, a "Moon Tree" is located at the Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles, Michigan. The tree came from seeds that Astronaut Stuart Roosa took on the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

Get our free mobile app

Roosa didn't try to plant seeds while orbiting the moon but did take thousands into space. When over 2000 seeds returned to earth in 1975 and 1976 they were distributed all over America for bicentennial celebrations. A few seeds were sent as gifts to other countries. 4 trees were planted in Michigan but the one in Niles is the only one left standing.