Did you know that the USDA Forest Service has been supplying the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree since 1970? The tree for this year was selected from North Carolina’s Pishga National Forest.

The biologist who examined the tree named it Ruby. Ruby has red bark, which helps the leaves stand out. Before being placed on the Capitol’s lawn, Ruby Red had to pass a series of tests.

To begin, a team of biologists, silviculturists, forestry technicians and arborists spent months searching Pishga National Forest for the perfect spruce tree. The team was looking for a tree that resembled a typical Christmas tree. Other than the tree looking like a Christmas tree, the team looks for other features. For example, the tree must be at least 68 feet tall. Ruby eventually made the cut, beating out seven other trees.

Photo: U.S. Capitol Tree on Facebook