Trees are an essential part of our planet’s ecosystem.
They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which makes them vital to the air we breathe.
Trees also provide us with shade, shelter, and food.
There are over 60,000 species of trees worldwide, each with its unique characteristics.
In this article, we’ll focus on 20 trees that start with the letter C. We’ll explore their physical features, environmental benefits, and cultural significance.
1.Cedar (Cedrus)
The cedar tree is a coniferous evergreen that belongs to the Pinaceae family. It’s native to the Mediterranean region and the Himalayas.
Cedar trees are known for their towering height, with some species reaching over 200 feet tall.
The wood of the cedar tree is aromatic and has a natural resistance to decay and insect damage.
Cedar trees are commonly used in construction, furniture making, and as ornamental plants.
2.Cherry (Prunus)
The cherry tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family.
There are over 400 species of cherry trees worldwide, and they are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Cherry trees are known for their showy blooms, which range in color from white to pink to deep red.
The fruit of the cherry tree is edible and is used in cooking and baking. Cherry wood is also used in furniture making and as a veneer.
3.Cacao (Theobroma)
The cacao tree is a tropical evergreen that belongs to the Malvaceae family.
It’s native to Central and South America, and its fruit is used to make chocolate.
Cacao trees grow to be about 20-30 feet tall and require a humid environment to thrive.
The fruit of the cacao tree is harvested and processed to make cocoa powder and chocolate.
Cacao trees also provide shade and habitat for wildlife.
4.Cypress (Cupressus)
The cypress tree is a coniferous evergreen that belongs to the Cupressaceae family.
There are over 25 species of cypress trees worldwide, and they are native to temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Cypress trees are known for their tall, narrow shape and their tolerance of poor soil and drought conditions.
Cypress wood is used in construction, furniture making, and as an ornamental plant.
5.Cottonwood (Populus)
The cottonwood tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Salicaceae family.
There are over 30 species of cottonwood trees worldwide, and they are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
Cottonwood trees are known for their fast growth and their ability to tolerate wet soil conditions.
Cottonwood wood is used in construction, furniture making, and as a fuel source.
6.Chestnut (Castanea)
The chestnut tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family.
There are four species of chestnut trees, and they are native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Chestnut trees are known for their sweet, edible nuts, which are used in cooking and baking.
Chestnut wood is also used in furniture making, as it is durable and resistant to decay.
7.Catalpa (Catalpa)
The catalpa tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family.
There are two species of catalpa trees, and they are native to North America and East Asia.
Catalpa trees are known for their large, showy blooms and their ability to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
Catalpa wood is used in furniture making, as it is durable and resistant to rot.
8.Cashew (Anacardium)
The cashew tree is a tropical evergreen that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.
It’s native to Brazil and is now widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.
Cashew trees are known for their edible nuts, which are used in cooking and as a snack.
The fruit of the cashew tree is also edible and is used in cooking and baking.
9.Chinkapin (Castanopsis)
The chinkapin tree is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family.
There are over 100 species of chinkapin trees worldwide, and they are native to temperate and tropical regions.
Chinkapin trees are known for their edible nuts, which are similar to chestnuts.
Chinkapin wood is also used in furniture making.
10.Cherry Blossom (Prunus serrulata)
The cherry blossom tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family.
It’s native to Japan and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Cherry blossom trees are known for their stunning blooms in the spring, which symbolize the beauty and fragility of life.
Cherry blossom festivals are held worldwide to celebrate the beauty of these trees.
11.Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)
The cedar of Lebanon is a coniferous evergreen that belongs to the Pinaceae family.
It’s native to the mountains of the Mediterranean region and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Cedar of Lebanon trees are known for their majestic height and their fragrant wood, which is used in construction and furniture making.
12.Cork Oak (Quercus suber)
The cork oak is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Fagaceae family.
It’s native to the Mediterranean region and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Cork oak trees are known for their thick, corky bark, which is harvested to make cork products, such as wine bottle stoppers and bulletin boards.
13.Common Lime (Tilia x europaea)
The common lime, also known as the European linden, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Malvaceae family.
It’s native to Europe and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Common lime trees are known for their fragrant blooms and their soft, lightweight wood, which is used in carving and furniture making.
14.Cypress (Cupressus)
The cypress tree is a coniferous evergreen that belongs to the Cupressaceae family.
There are about 20 species of cypress trees, and they are native to temperate and tropical regions worldwide.
Cypress trees are known for their slender, tall growth habit and their fragrant wood, which is used in construction and furniture making.
15.Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
The crape myrtle is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Lythraceae family.
It’s native to Asia and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Crape myrtle trees are known for their showy blooms in the summer and their colorful bark, which peels to reveal a smooth, mottled surface.
16.Crabwood (Carapa)
The crabwood tree is a tropical evergreen that belongs to the Meliaceae family.
It’s native to South America and is now widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.
Crabwood trees are known for their durable wood, which is used in boat building and as a timber crop.
17.Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata)
The cucumber tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family.
It’s native to eastern North America and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Cucumber trees are known for their fragrant blooms in the spring and their large, cucumber-shaped fruit.
18.Chinaberry (Melia azedarach)
The chinaberry tree is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Meliaceae family.
It’s native to Asia and is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Chinaberry trees are known for their fragrant blooms and their durable wood, which is used in furniture making and as a fuel source.
19.Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
The coast redwood is a coniferous evergreen that belongs to the Cupressaceae family.
It’s native to the Pacific coast of North America and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Coast redwood trees are known for their immense height and their durable wood, which is used in construction and furniture making.
20.Canary Island Pine (Pinus canariensis)
The Canary Island pine is a coniferous evergreen that belongs to the Pinaceae family.
It’s native to the Canary Islands and is now widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide.
Canary Island pine trees are known for their tall, straight growth habit and their durable wood, which is used in construction and furniture making.
21.Cedar (Cedrus)
The cedar tree is a coniferous evergreen that belongs to the Pinaceae family.
There are four species of cedar trees, and they are native to the mountains of the Mediterranean region and western Asia.
Cedar trees are known for their fragrant wood, which is used in construction and furniture making.
Before You Go
Trees come in many varieties and species. If you’re interested in learning about trees that have names starting with a particular letter, check out our articles on trees by letter.
Our alphabetical tree articles allow you to browse trees starting with any letter you choose.
