National Christmas Tree in Washington dies after just 14 months

(Reuters)

WASHINGTON – Just 14 months after it was planted in front of the White House, the National Christmas Tree has died.

The tree, a Colorado blue spruce, died from "complications resulting from transplant shock," the National Park Service said, according to msnbc.com.

It was planted on the Ellipse near the president's residence a little over a year ago -- having been grown in New Jersey -- to replace a tree that had served as America's Christmas tree for 33 years before succumbing to a storm.

Another Colorado blue spruce will replace the tree.

The lighting of the tree by the president is a tradition dating back 90 years to Calvin Coolidge. Use has varied between cut trees and live trees, as well as between species.