Given the different climates and the fertility of the soil, it’s not surprising that a lot of trees that aren’t native to California have been able to flourish here. A lot of these trees were simply brought from their native land decades or even centuries ago. Other “volunteers” are more recent. Here are some trees that should be native to California, but aren’t. At least one, the Canary Island palm, is not only not native to the state but is also considered invasive.
1. Box Elder
The box elder is a type of maple that thrives in the mild climate of Vallejo and other areas of the state. It is not native to California but to east and central North America. It is found near or on bodies of water and used to be an alternate source of maple syrup. Now, it is grown in parks and gardens as an ornamental. It can grow between 40 and 50 feet high, and there are male and female trees. The females ultimately produce samaras.
2. Eucalyptus
There are many species of eucalyptus trees, but the ones most often found in California are the blue gum and the dwarf blue gum. These trees are native to southern Australia and Tasmania. The blue gum is known for its aromatic leaves and smooth bark that leaves attractive areas of gray or white when it sheds. The tree can grow to 230 feet in height, and the flowers are puffy and white. The dwarf blue gum is known for its fast growth, and it can attain heights of between 60 and 70 feet.
3. Canary Island Palm
Also called the pineapple palm, this tree is native to the Canary Islands. It was brought to California because of its beauty and its fruit. It can grow to around 66 feet tall but has been known to grow almost twice as tall as this. It gets its alternate name because when it’s pruned the right way, it resembles a pineapple.
4. Ailanthus
Also called the Tree of Heaven, the ailanthus is native to China and Australia. This tree was once popular as an ornamental and is now considered a bit of a pest in some places. Its male and female flowers open in mid-summer on separate trees, and female trees produce an abundance of fruit. The seeds are not only plentiful but also winged, which allowed the tree to colonize many places around the world. It can grow as tall as 100 feet and has long, glossy compound leaves.
5. Deodar
This large, beautiful cedar, which can grow as tall as 250 feet, is native to the Himalayas. It was brought to California and other places as an ornamental. It is known for its barrel-shaped cones which take two years to mature and release their seeds. The tree has a conical crown, straight larger branches, and smaller branches that droop attractively.
Contact E Z Tree Today
If you have a non-native tree in your California yard and want to know the best way to take care of it, don’t hesitate to call us at E Z Tree today. We offer trimming and pruning and a full range of other services in Vallejo and the surrounding area.
