Trees are important for many reasons. They help clean the air we breathe, they provide shade and beauty, and they are home to many creatures.
Evergreen trees are especially valuable because they keep their leaves year-round.
This means they are constantly cleaning the air and providing shade and homes for animals even in the wintertime.
California is home to many different types of evergreen trees. In this article, we will explore 9 of the most common and beloved evergreen trees in California.
[Related Article: Evergreen Trees In Arkansas: [Top 8]
1. Olive
If you’re looking for a hearty, evergreen tree to plant in your California garden, consider the olive tree.
Olives are not only beautiful, but they’re also a useful source of food and oil. Here’s what you need to know about growing olive trees in California.
Olive trees are native to the Mediterranean Basin, so they’re well-suited to California’s climate.
They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they’re relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Olives are self-fertile, so you only need one tree to produce fruit.
However, for the best yield, it’s recommended that you plant two or more trees.
The most common type of olive grown in California is the Mission olive.
This variety is large and productive, with dark green fruits that ripen to black.
Other popular varieties include the Manzanillo, which produces light green fruits; the Sevillano, which has large, yellow-green fruits; and the Ascolano, whose fruits are small and delicate.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty addition to your cooking or a beautiful evergreen for your landscape, an olive tree may be just what you need.
With proper care, these hardy trees will thrive in California gardens for many years to come.
2. Bay Tree
The Bay Tree, also known as the California Laurel or the Oregon Myrtle, is a native evergreen that grows well in California.
This tree can grow to be between 20 and 80 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet.
The Bay Tree has dark green, glossy leaves that are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers of this tree are small and yellow, blooming in clusters in the springtime.
The fruit of the Bay Tree is a small, black berry that is about 1/2 inch in diameter.
This tree does best in full sun or partial shade, and prefers a soil that is moist but well-drained.
The Bay Tree is drought-tolerant once it is established, and is also tolerant of salt spray.
This tree is relatively pest- and disease-free, making it a low-maintenance choice for your landscape.
When choosing a spot for your Bay Tree, make sure to choose an area that is large enough to accommodate its mature size.
3. Primrose Tree
The primrose tree is a beautiful tree that grows well in California.
This tree has lovely, delicate flowers that come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, white, and yellow.
The primrose tree is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping because it is relatively easy to care for and maintain.
This tree does best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
The primrose tree is drought tolerant and does not require a lot of water to survive.
This tree is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
However, it is important to note that the primrose tree is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
If you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance tree for your garden or landscape, the primrose tree is an excellent choice.
Just be sure to keep it away from areas where children or pets play to avoid any accidents.
4. California Pepper Tree
The California pepper tree is a type of evergreen tree that is native to the state of California.
This tree is known for its ability to thrive in the warm climate of the state and its resistance to drought conditions.
The California pepper tree is a popular choice for landscaping in both residential and commercial settings.
This tree grows best in full sun and can reach a height of up to 30 feet.
The leaves of the California pepper tree are dark green in color and have a glossy texture.
The flowers of this tree are small and white, and they blooming during the spring months.
The fruit of the California pepper tree is a small, black berry that is often used in jams and jellies.
5. Canyon Live Oak
The Canyon live oak is a beautiful tree that grows well in California. This tree is known for its dark green leaves and its ability to thrive in dry climates.
The Canyon live oak is a great addition to any landscape and can provide shade and beauty for many years to come.
This tree is native to the western United States and Mexico, and it is often found in canyons and on hillsides.
The Canyon live oak is a hardy tree that can withstand drought conditions and poor soil conditions.
This tree does best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial sun.
The Canyon live oak is an evergreen tree, which means it will keep its leaves all year round. This tree can grow to be 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
The Canyon live oak is a beautiful tree that makes a great addition to any landscape.
6. Sweet Shade (Hymenosporum Flavum)
Looking for an evergreen tree that does well in California? Say hello to the Sweet Shade tree!
This beautiful tree is native to Australia and New Guinea, but it has become a popular choice for landscaping in many parts of the world, including California.
The Sweet Shade tree is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach up to 40 feet tall and 30 feet wide at maturity.
It has a round, dense canopy of dark green leaves that provide excellent shade.
The flowers are small and white, blooming in spring and summer.
The fruit is a small black drupe that is edible but not very tasty.
This tree does best in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
It is drought-tolerant once established and is not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
If you’re looking for an attractive, low-maintenance evergreen for your California landscape, the Sweet Shade tree is a great choice!
7. Cajeput Tree (Melaleuca Quinquenervia)
The cajeput tree, also known as the white tea tree, is native to Australia but can also be found in Southeast Asia and parts of Polynesia.
The tree grows up to 50 feet tall and has narrow, oblong leaves that are greenish-gray in color.
The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in clusters.
The cajeput tree is an evergreen, meaning it will retain its leaves year-round.
The cajeput tree is well-suited for growth in California due to its tolerance of various soil types and climates.
The tree prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Once established, the cajeput tree is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water to thrive.
If you’re looking for an attractive, low-maintenance tree for your yard or garden, the cajeput tree is a great option.
This versatile tree can add beauty and interest to any landscape.
8. Camphor (Cinnamomum Camphora)
If you’re looking for an evergreen tree that thrives in California, consider camphor (Cinnamomum camphora).
This tree is native to Asia and is known for its strong, aromatic smell.
Camphor trees can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 100 feet tall, and they have broad leaves that are dark green in color.
The bark of the camphor tree is also very aromatic and can be used in a variety of ways.
9. Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum Undulatum)
The Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) is a beautiful evergreen tree that grows well in California.
This tree is known for its sweet-smelling flowers and its glossy, dark green leaves.
The Sweet Pittosporum is a popular choice for landscaping because it is easy to care for and drought-tolerant.
This tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, so it is also a good choice for smaller yards.
