California Sycamore* Platanus racemosa

This species can grow 15-20 feet in 5 to 10 years, with multi-branches that can be trained into attractive shapes. It likes sun, moderate water and can take wind and heat, but is not drought tolerant until established. The large palm-shaped leaves can be 6 to 10 inches wide and are woolly on both sides when young. The change to a soft brownish yellow in the fall is visually interesting. The beautiful mottled bark results from thin layers that drop off, exposing greenish to whitish areas beneath. As an important wildlife species, this tree is used extensively by hummingbirds and butterflies such as the Western Tiger Swallowtail.

This tree is 40 feet high x 30 feet wide

Fremont's Cottonwood* Populus fremontii

This is an extremely fast growing tree that likes moist conditions, but can tolerant drought. Bright shiny green triangular leaves, 2 to 4 inches wide, flutter nicely in the wind and turn a pretty lemon yellow in the fall. An excellent shade tree, the males do not produce cotton. Cottonwoods are important bird and butterfly plants. Do not plant near septic systems or under power lines, as their root growth pattern and height are potential for problems in the future.

This tree is 40-60 feet high x 35-40 feet wide.

Pacific Wax Myrtle* Myrica californica

With its dense fragrant foliage of dark, glossy green oblong leaves, 2 to 4 inches long, this makes an excellent screen or hedge plant, as it will tolerate wind. The spring flowers are inconspicuous, but the fall purplish wax-covered fruits are attractive to birds. Requires good drainage, preferring sandy or loam soils, and will die off if given too much water when young. Tolerates drought and prefers sun to partial shade.

This tree is 10-25 feet high x 10 feet plus wide.

California Bay Laurel+Umbellularia californica

This is a fine shade tree, with a shape that varies from a huge gumdrop to a tall, free ranging tree, often with multi-trunks. The alternate, lance-shape, evergreen, aromatic leaves are 2 to 4 inches long and make an excellent spice. It produces yellow flowers from December to May. The small fruits are inedible. Grows best in deep soil with ample water, but tolerates drought. With dense foliage, this tree makes a good screen or can be trimmed into a formal hedge.

This tree can get as tall as 80 feet high x 25 feet wide.

Photo Credit:
* California Academy of Sciences, Charles Webber, 1998;
+ California Academy of Sciences, Beatrice F. Howitt, 1999

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