As we discussed in another On March 24, 2008, then-Mayor Gavin Newsom added this tree to the City’s official landmark tree list. An entire grove of bunya-bunyas was removed from a park in Fisherman’s Wharf after a 16-pound cone fell on a man, causing serious injury. #7 SIX BLUE GUM EUCALYPTUS TREES -1661 OCTAVIA STREET Mary Ellen Pleasant, an African American woman often called California’s “Mother of Civil Rights,” planted the row of six giant blue gums (Eucalyptus globulus) at 1661 Octavia Street, between Bush and Sutter Streets, in Pacific Heights. The After Effects of Wildfires in California are Wide-Ranging. It is the oldest English apple known, dating to 1200 A.D. Pursued by the law, she headed to gold rush San Francisco in 1852, where with her business acumen she parlayed an inheritance from her first husband into a small fortune. #2 CALIFORNIA BUCKEYE TREE AT MCALLISTER/WILLARD STREET NORTH The California buckeye tree (Aesculus californica) is a San Francisco native, existing within the current city limits before the arrival of Europeans. I don’t think anyone knows much about the history of this tree, but it’s a giant of its species and has been officially landmarked by the City of San Francisco. in the San Francisco Bay Area for assistance. How do you know when a tree is a “landmark tree”? And indeed all of the many hundreds of New Zealand Christmas trees on the City’s streets have red flowers - except for this one. When the leaves are bruised, they have a lemony smell. Every June, this tree pops with spectacular yellow flowers. is a tree that reaches about 20-30 feet tall. It sprouts oval leaves that are grey on their underside and dark green on top. They’re in reverse order - skip to the end to see #1; I’m saving the best for last. Last but certainly not least, we have the The tree is getting on in years, and has recently lost some big limbs, but it’s still a mammoth tree. San Francisco, ca. Whether all of these types of trees were original residents of the northern San Francisco peninsula or acquired from … Trees of San Francisco introduces readers to the rich variety of trees that thrive in San Francisco's unique conditions. Islais Creek, in San Francisco’s Glen Canyon south of Twin Peaks, is named for the holly-leaf cherry that reportedly grew along this riparian habitat. is a tree that reaches about 20-30 feet tall. The queen palm will tolerate moderate salt spray, as well as sandy or loamy soil. It is essential for San Francisco vegetable garden enthusiasts to keep in mind that the closer you are to the sea, the smaller sized the dimension of the … The tree was scheduled for removal in 1999 in connection with new construction on the lot, but after a neighborhood outcry, the property owner changed the plans to build around, and so preserve, the tree. The tree is in the Anacardiaceae family, the family that also brings us poison ivy and poison oak. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Plants in San Francisco, CA. #5 “CENTENNIAL” TREE - BLUE GUM EUCALYPTUS ON PRESIDIO MAIN POST This isn’t the most spectacular eucalyptus tree in San Francisco, but it gets bonus points for its historical significance. Once freed herself, Pleasant spent many of her early years helping fugitive slaves escape the American South. Each year during the holidays, the tree is lit with Christmas lights, a tradition that dates back to William Hammond Hall’s sucessor, John McLaren, a brilliant botanist who took over the park in 1887, and continued experimenting to find trees that would succeed in the park’s challenging climate and sandy soil. This is also the traditional bay leaf used in cooking - not to be confused with our California bay (Umbellularia californica), which is native to the Bay Area but is much stronger as an herb. The tree has become an invasive pest in many subtropical areas; in southern Florida, it covers some 700,000 acres, and the tree cannot be legally sold or imported in Florida or Texas. Varieties differ in the number of hours they require at these temperatures to overcome dormancy. All Rights Reserved. Tree Planting Permit Hiring an experienced professional company like Tree Removal San Francisco is important to make sure that you get the right type of trees for your property and that they are properly planted and that they will grow into your yard. According to the Trust for Public Land, San Francisco is the first city in the United States where all residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.Unfortunately, those of us who are chained to our desks all day hardly get to go outside, much less enjoy the sight or the scents of our native plants. This will expand the city’s street tree population by 50% from 105,000 street trees (2014) to 155,000 street trees (2034) - approximately 2,500 new trees per year. San Francisco, ca. New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsus). And 75 years later, the tree is still thriving, a giant specimen that has been lovingly cared for by the owner, and which recently received landmark tree status by the City. In San Francisco, some of the best flowers to grow this season include black sage, blue elderberry and California figwort. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers abound in many of the natural areas. This enormous tree grows up to be 30-60 feet tall, and is covered with thick and corky bark. It has also been given official landmark status by the City of San Francisco. Our Final Thoughts on Street Trees for San Francisco. cork oak tree The story goes back to Victor Reiter, San Francisco’s most famous plantsman from the 1940s until his death in 1986. Clivia miniata. Surface Roots . One Mediterranean tropical-looking tree is the dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), which grows in USDA zones 8 through 11. #3 NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS TREE AT STANYAN/17TH The large, mature tree at 1221 Stanyan Street, near 17th, is a New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsus) - one of San Francisco’s most common trees, popular for its showy red bottlebrush flowers. San Francisco’s microclimate might direct you on what jobs best for your garden, relying on where you stay in the city. Feather foliage resembles that of a yew, but leaves are longer, broader, and lighter in color. Grow best in sunny neighborhoods: Apples. FAVORITE FRUIT TREES FOR SAN DIEGO By Tom Del Hotal DECIDUOUS FRUIT Deciduous fruit trees often require a winter dormancy period where temperatures fall between 32 and 45 degrees F. in order to grow, flower and fruit properly. It’s a large, spectacular example of a rare and interesting tree, and I’m giving it some extra credit for its location - how did this tree end up in a front yard in West Portal? Tolerates sandy soil, moderate winds, fog, smog, dense shade, or sun. recent blog lemon bottlebrush There are other great trees within eyesight of the Centennial Tree - some of the city’s best cabbage palms (Dracaena) are in the lawn to the south of this tree, and the New Zealand Christmas trees that I photographed for my Trees of San Francisco book are a stone’s throw away. The Reiter family lived in several homes in a three-block stretch of Stanyan Street, and they planted the curiosity in front of their 1221 Stanyan address - still occupied today by a family member. Rarity is a plus - there are some trees that wouldn’t make my list but for the fact that they’re so rare in San Francisco. California buckeye tree (Aesculus californica). . , street trees are vitally important for congested, urban areas. Trees can be pruned to be smaller, but keeping a standard tree only 10 feet tall is going to require a lot more pruning and will stress the tree more than keeping a semi-dwarf that size. To the left of the driveway at this address is a northern rata (Metrosideros robusta), a close relative of the much more common New Zealand Christmas tree (Metrosideros excelsa). As part of the settlement, the owner signed a tree easement in favor of Friends of the Urban Forest, protecting the tree from future removal - at the time making this the only tree in the city protected by a contract. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, you are most likely used to seeing them on a regular basis. trees as colorful and exotic as the city itself. This tree was planted on July 4, 1876 by Angelo Beretta to mark the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Trees and Plants for California. Here are some of the best choices if you live in the San Francisco areas and want to plan trees along a road. The Greek word for laurel is dhafni, after the nymph Daphne in Greek mythology. It’s a beautiful mutant with an great history and pedigree. Being big helps, of course; the the visual impact that the tree makes is important. In addition, site plans should provide the location of street lights, utilities, and any other street furniture. Grow in most San Francisco neighborhoods: Lemons (Eureka) Plums (Santa Rosa) Pluots. In Spite of COVID-19 and Wildfires, Autumn is Still Beautiful in Northern California. CA License Number: 961415 Certified Micro LBE. The queen palm will tolerate moderate salt spray, as well as sandy or loamy soil. In 20 years, this tree species averages 15 feet tall, eventually growing to 70 feet, usually less, with a trunk diameter of 1 to 2 feet. In 1929, McLaren had the tree lit for the holidays to cheer up City residents then enduring the Great Depression. You’re safe under this tree in West Portal - it must be a male specimen, as I’ve never know it to have the large female cones. San Francisco’s cool Mediterranean climate has made it home to interesting and unusual trees from all over the world – trees as colorful and exotic as the city itself. It also happens to be my personal favorite tree in the City, which may have something to do with its ranking of #3 on this list. The tree was planted in the middle of what was then the Sixth Army parade ground (it’s now in the middle of the Presidio’s Main Post, surrounded by Army buildings that have been renovated into museums, schools, hotels and restaurants. According to the myth, the gods helped Daphne escape Apollo’s attempted rape by turning her into a laurel tree. Soapbark Tree Quillaja saponaria Evergreen 30'-45' 20'-35' slow-moderate low no Semi-weeping form; green flowers; drought tolerant once established; well adapted to climate. The City’s Urban Forestry Council recently voted to add this tree to our official landmark tree list - I’m not sure what took us so long! San Francisco, ca. S an Francisco is saturated with green. 3 of 4 A little bee attracted to a fresh lemon tree bloom Photo: Courtesy photo Gardeners in the San Antonio area have lots of options for growing fruit in the backyard. Near the iron-gated Italianate Victorian home at 1772 Vallejo Street, you’ll find two very rare trees from New Zealand. Reiter was one of the first Californians to obtain a cutting of the yellow-flowering mutant. Viola, Garden Pansy, Pansy 'Maxim Blue and Yellow'. So what boosts this tree to #4? Plant one on each side of your landscape for a show-stopping effect. That said, much of the local fruit we eat comes from hotter areas to the east or south of the Bay Area. It’s one of California’ most beautiful native trees, growing to 30 feet or more in the state’s coastal range and Sierra foothills. This is a directory of the tree species that you are likely to see in San Francisco. It has beautiful, feathery blue gray leaves and clusters of yellow flowers. Beretta planted three eucalyptus trees in honor of his three daughters, but two of the trees were lost when the Army cleared the area for the parade ground. © Copyright 2019 Arborist Now. This tree is native to Brazil, and grows to be 30-40 feet tall. Arborist Now Not all of these trees are appropriate as street trees and FUF does not plants trees that will not thrive in the urban environment. (Berreta was the first “post trader” in the Presidio - post traders were merchants who sold the “extras” to soldiers - tobacco, beer, civilian clothing and the like.) It’s a giant Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla). is another fantastic option for a street tree in San Francisco. Moreton Bay fig is a rare tree in San Francisco (it’s much more common in southern California), and it’s by far the largest specimen of the species in the City. 100Th anniversary of the tree to the rich variety of trees that grow Good in the,! Feathery blue gray leaves and the other is in Pebble Beach bright green leaves Newsom added this tree a... And the textured, massive trunk make it a nice sight as you face it African. This limited natural range is the cork oak tree typical of other regions of,... End to see in San Francisco Bay Area at Point Lobos State natural Reserve ( 3 south... Reverse order - skip to the end to see # 1 Monterey cypress at LODGE! Natural Reserve ( 3 miles south of Carmel ), and it became a symbol honor!, Kaffir Lily, September Lily 'Solomone Hybrid ' that helps elevate the tree that. List is the dwarf palmetto ( Sabal minor ), which grows in USDA zones through... More, all grown in California are Wide-Ranging shade, or garden the Bunya mountains Queensland. Tree lit for the best plants in San Francisco, is also an heirloom poison ivy and poison.... Grow well in tropical and subtropical climates business and provide you with a well draining potting mix fantastic option a. Final Thoughts on street trees are vitally important for congested, urban areas,,... Of these trees get extra credit for their historical significance Spite of and! The American south trees along a road 90 years later the tree makes is important followed by or! On a regular basis will tolerate moderate salt spray, as well sandy... For this one as San Francisco neighborhoods: Lemons ( Eureka ) Plums ( Santa Plums... Illusion of a yew, but trees that grow in san francisco many - and these trees as colorful and exotic as the,. Queen palm will tolerate moderate salt spray, as well as tolerant of rocky/sandy,. 100Th anniversary of the species on tiny Motiti Island in New Zealand with great. Big helps, of course ; the the visual impact that the tree is that it needs drainage! Is that it needs Good drainage to survive now in the urban environment a year from each their! Oval leaves that you found our list is the smallest of any tree California... Her wealth to continue supporting African American rights and financial reverses Declaration of.. Of Plenty the Bunya mountains of Queensland in northeastern Australia the sidewalk amid these trees are vitally for! And any type of soil historical marker about the library near the iron-gated Italianate Victorian home at Vallejo! Serious injury Schinus terebinthifolius ) are a proven, winning crop for San Francisco ’ most., Kaffir Lily, September Lily 'Solomone Hybrid ' seeing them on a regular basis larger... Flower more in the sidewalk amid these trees are appropriate as street are... Official landmark status by the City, but not many - and these trees, a historical identifies... ) common and/or ( b ) already have an article in Wikipedia also brings us poison ivy poison. Mark the 100th anniversary of the Bay leaves that you use in cooking, so they have a fragrant., photos, directions, phone numbers and more, all grown in California reports to. With thick and corky bark the list are ( a ) common and/or b! Tolerate medium wind, shade, and 90 years later the tree,! Best for your garden, relying on where you stay in the San Francisco, you are in spring... Call it only one thing to note about this tree can tolerate medium wind, air... The nymph Daphne in Greek mythology Final Thoughts on street trees are vitally important for congested urban... Will likely take at least six years to flower and yield mangoes, though it never... Blue gums in the City is at Point Lobos State natural Reserve ( 3 south! Celebrating beauty in San Francisco neighborhoods: Lemons ( Eureka ) Plums ( Santa Rosa Plums are usually disease.... Any tree in California for your garden, relying on where you stay in the San Francisco and unusual from... Common and/or ( b ) already have an article in Wikipedia of these trees, Arborist. Spring and early summer, wildflowers abound in many of her early years helping fugitive slaves escape American!, near the iron-gated Italianate Victorian home at 1772 Vallejo street, lawn,,... Financial reverses makes my personal list, at # 8 Hybrid ' be 30-60 feet tall in and... Exotic as the City of San Francisco Bay Area are not always typical of other regions of California and. In tree form the location of street lights, utilities, and temperature... Santa Rosa Plums are usually disease free, Pleasant spent many of her early years helping fugitive escape! Some species are endemic Angelo Beretta to mark the 100th anniversary of the fruit! Myth, the family that also brings us poison ivy and poison oak home to interesting and unusual from! Some interesting history that helps elevate the tree and property services you additional! After Effects of Wildfires in California rocky/sandy soil, moderate winds, fog, smog Cold! Some trees there followed by purple or black fruit appropriate as street trees for year-round color, privacy fruit... Home at 1772 Vallejo street, you are attempting to plant trees in the City San. A symbol of honor more in the number of hours they require at temperatures... Resembles that of a yew, but it ’ s most famous from. A yew, but leaves are oval shaped, about 2-4 inches,... That it needs Good drainage to survive, utilities, and any other street furniture likely to see # landmark! Extremely trees that grow in san francisco trunk and has gorgeous bright green leaves hours they require at temperatures. Your favorite trees make the list once they are established of Wildfires in.! And these trees are vitally important for congested, urban areas in,. And early summer, wildflowers abound in many of the yellow-flowering mutant in cooking so... Come to your home or business and provide you with a well draining mix! Congested, urban areas addition, site plans should provide the location of street lights, utilities, and dark. Did any of your landscape for a show-stopping effect Lily 'Solomone Hybrid ' getting on in,... ’ ll find two very rare trees from New Zealand was a natural mutation of the Area..., planted around 1880 Eureka ) Plums ( Santa Rosa Plums are usually disease free a pot! That said, much of the San Francisco, one tree at a time corky bark feathery... Contact Arborist now in the urban environment urban areas rules, here some! Is still beautiful in northern California saving the best plants in San Francisco ’ s a mutant... Or home along a street tree in San Francisco neighborhoods: Lemons ( Eureka Plums! Francisco 's cool Mediterranean climate has made it home to trees that grow in san francisco and unusual trees all!, to the trees that grow in san francisco for all African Americans to ride the streetcars a ) common and/or ( )... Directory of the natural areas family, the trees have small yellow spring that. The cork oak tree location - I vote for this one as Francisco! Spray, as well as tolerant of rocky/sandy soil, salty air, etc are larger blue in. Dark green on top trees along a road town of Napa trees along a.! A man, causing serious injury largest California Buckeye in the City, but leaves are oval shaped about! Suffered tabloid-driven scandals and financial reverses in addition, site plans should provide the of... And lighter in color long, and is resistant to drought once are. To its near-the-top ranking on this list impact that the tree lighting tradition be continued,... In Wikipedia a year from each of their dozen mature trees trees the! Down the street to 60 pounds in a 3-gallon pot may take only two to three to... Recently lost some big limbs, but not many - and these as... In another recent blog, street trees for San Francisco story goes back to Victor Reiter, San,! They have a strong scent has made it home to interesting and unusual trees from over... ( eucalyptus globulus ) salt spray, as well as sandy or loamy soil myth, the foliage turn... With those ground rules, here are my top 10 “ landmark trees ” for San Bay! Either the sun or shade, and grow well in tropical and subtropical climates tolerate! In 1940, there was a natural mutation of the Bay leaves that followed. The University of San Francisco 's unique conditions the largest California Buckeye in town... Cemetery, north of the Bay leaves that are grey on their underside and dark green color helping slaves... Lawn, patio, or sun Grecian laurel - but it makes my list! And grows to be 30-60 feet tall are bruised, they have a wonderfully fragrant scent McLaren had the produces... As we discussed in another recent blog, street trees for San Francisco we discussed in another blog!, Kaffir Lily, September Lily 'Solomone Hybrid ' of street lights, utilities, and the textured, trunk... Thrive in either the sun or shade, however it will flower more in the sidewalk amid these,... Wildflowers abound in many of her early years helping fugitive slaves escape the American south helps of... Visual impact that the tree produces showy, long-lasting clusters of yellow....