I servicemen who were serving in France. Allen True is credited with the artistic rendition of the bronc and rider. Mr. True had painted murals in the House and Senate chambers at the State Capitol building. Lester Hunt is credited with the inspiration to use the bronc and rider logo on Wyoming's license plates. The state tree is the Plains Cottonwood.
Cottonwood trees grow quickly and easily in Wyoming's conditions.
They grow to a towering height of 50-60 feet and can grow as large as 100 feet tall. Pioneers used the Cottonwood to break ground and provide shelter for oak and pine seedlings. Today, Cottonwood trees are used to landscape yards, parks, highway medians. They are also planted to minimize erosion and conserve natural resources. Cottonwood wood burns hotter than pine and is good for heating homes with wood stoves.