Trees You Can Plant Today For A Better Tomorrow

Mind The Divide has put together a tree list with the hope that it will ease the selection process for municipalities and home owners as they work toward their goals of canopy cover. When selecting trees, you want to make sure you are planting a tree that is right for your USDA zone. If you are unsure of your zone, please take a look at our map. Due to ongoing water shortages across California, most trees are low or very low water use once established, based on Selectree.com standards. Please go to our video library for videos on the different methods of watering newly planted trees versus mature trees to better understand how to establish your trees and keep them happy. 

The tree list focused on an array of trees, including some native, some utility line friendly, a few with showy flowers, options with little to no mess from fruit, and some with special concern for root uplift in areas with ridgid sidewalks. It does not include invasive species, nor does it include species deemed highly flammable by experts.

This list is a starting point for increasing canopy cover and does not include all possible options. When choosing a planting site and making species selections, please remember the needs of the tree while it grows as well as its needs once established. Refer to our sections on the 10/20/30 Rule as well as the Seven Deadly Sins when choosing options. Also, ask yourself these questions:

  • How will this species handle my zone?
  • How will this species handle climate change’s warmer weather patterns?
  • How much space can I offer a tree’s roots, branches, and overall height once fully grown?
  • How does this tree’s water, sun, and shade needs pair with my current vegetation?

10-20-30 Rule

The 10-20-30 Rule focuses on diversity of trees throughout a city. Diseases and insects tend to target particular tree species and other closely related members, potentially wiping out entire tree populations. To safeguard against this, planting a diverse array of tree species is essential.

Related Articles:

Science Direct

USDA FS

Click below to view an enlarged 10-20-30 rule. 

The Seven Deadly Sins of Tree Care

By Tina McKeand

Below you will find tips for avoiding the seven deadly sins, or mistakes, that tree owners most commonly make, including:
1. Right Tree, Wrong Place
2. Structural Defects
3. Planting at the Right Depth
4. Over and Under Watering
5. Poor or Neglected Staking
6. Premature Removal of Juvenile Branches
7. Poor Pruning or Topping

Learning about how trees grow and
what they need will help you avoid these
deadly sins and give your tree a better
chance at survival!

1. Right Tree, Wrong Place

Usually, the first deadly sin occurs when the right tree is selected for the wrong location.
Trees are stationary and, therefore, subject to the conditions where they are planted. Some species may be appropriate for the local climate, but if planted in the wrong place they can outgrow their planting space, clash with infrastructure or design, and require additional maintenance to control
size or form.

3. Planting at the Right Depth

Many things can, and often do, go wrong during the tree planting process. One of the most common deadly sins is planting a new tree too deep. It is always best to plant a tree so that the root flare is level or slightly above the finished grade. Planting too deep allows moisture and soil particles to soften and abrade buried bark tissue. This promotes infection and decay and often leads to premature death. 

5. Poor or Neglected Staking

Staking can help stabilize and support a new tree while its roots become established, generally within about one year. However, if neglected or used improperly, staking can cause serious harm, including cambium damage, an underdeveloped trunk, permanent scarring, or girdling.

When planting, use support stakes and ties only if your tree is unable to stand on its own.

7. Poor Pruning or Topping

The objective of proper pruning should be the correction of major structural defects, such as crossed branches and dead or diseased wood. But, since urban trees are destined to be part of a community, they also should be expected to conform to community standards. Keep in mind, however, that pruning creates wounds that shape growth and divert energy, so if you want to promote healthy tree structure while preserving it’s natural grace and
character, prune wisely and sparingly.

Click below to view the full Seven Deadly Sins document.

2. Structural Defects

While the first deadly sin involves selecting the right species of tree, the second involves selecting a tree that is healthy and properly structured. To avoid this deadly sin, simply be a knowledgeable, discerning consumer, and support reputable growers by refusing to purchase unhealthy, structurally defective trees.

4. Over and Under Watering

It is not always easy to know how much water a tree needs. Generally, giving a tree a good soak and then allowing the soil to become somewhat dry before the next good soaking is good practice. This allows the tree to absorb the water and also allows for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide as the soil goes from saturated to almost dry. 

6. Premature Removal of Juvenile Branches

In nature, trees grow in a logical manner according to a genetic plan millions of years in the making. Part of that plan includes juvenile branches. These branches not only support the development of a strong, healthy trunk base, but also aid in wind resistance and protect against sunburn.

Premature removal can impede canopy growth, cause trunk failure through stress fractures, result in sunscald and peeling bark, reduce vascular flow, and invite insects and pathogens. 

Recommended Trees

Key to Tree Traits

Each of the icons below represent different elements of care for certain species. They will show up on the bottom of each photo below to represent recommended care directions. The higher the number of icons, the more the tree species will need that care or will damage certain areas. 

Bischofia javanica

Bischofia

Family Euphorbiaceae

Photos taken at Disneyland – Anaheim, CA, Los Angeles County Arboretum – Arcadia, CA and Balboa Park – San Diego, CA by M. Ritter, C. Stubler, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential : Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 10, 11
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Acidic to Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Evergreen
  • Maximum height: 50 feet
  • Canopy width: 25-35 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24-120 in/year
  • Flowers: Inconspicuous
  • Flowering: Spring
  • Fruiting: Fall or Winter
  • Litter: Fruit

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Parkland, Tree Specimen

Vitex agnus-castus

Chaste Tree

Family Verbenaceae

SelecTree. UFEI. “Vitex agnus-castus Tree Record.” 1995-2022. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jul 19, 2022.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1464 >

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2’ – 5’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Low
  • USDA zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Good Inland 
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 15 feet
  • Canopy width: 15-20 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
  • Flower color: Blue or Lavender
  • Flowering: Summer or Fall
  • Fruit: Small Black Drupe
  • Fruiting: Summer or Fall 
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Screen, and Tree Specimen

Fremontodendron californicum

Common Flannel Bush

Family Fremontodendron

Photos taken at Strybing Arboretum – San Francisco, CA and UC Santa Cruz Arboretum – Santa Cruz, CA by Robert O’Brien, M. Ritter, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2’ – 5’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Low
  • USDA zones: 8, 9, 10
  • Sun exposure: Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Moderate 
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Evergreen
  • Maximum height: 20 feet
  • Canopy width: 12 feet
  • Growth rate: ~36 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: Yellow
  • Flowering: Spring 
  • Fruit: Brown or Green Capsule
  • Fruiting: Fall 
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Screen, and Tree Specimen

Acca sellowiana ‘Coolidge’

Coolidge Pineapple Guava

Family Myrtaceae

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 5’ – 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Low
  • USDA zones: 8, 9, 10, 11
  • Sun exposure: Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Evergreen
  • Maximum height: 25 feet
  • Canopy width: 18 – 25 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: Purple or Red or White
  • Flowering: Spring or Summer
  • Fruit: Large Gray or Green Berry
  • Fruiting: Fall or Winter
  • Fruit value: Edible
  • Litter: Wet Fruit

Site Consideration 

Hedge, Screen, and Tree

Quercus suber

Cork Oak

Family Fagaceae

Photos taken at Cal Poly Campus – San Luis Obispo, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, Davis, CA, Sonoma, CA, Balboa Park – San Diego, CA, Sacramento, CA and Quail Arboretum – Encinitas, CA by M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential : Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use: Low
  • USDA zones: 8, 9, 10
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Evergreen
  • Maximum height: 70 feet
  • Canopy width: 70 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24-36 in/year
  • Flowers: Inconspicuous
  • Flowering: Spring
  • Fruiting: Fall or Winter
  • Litter: Acorn

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Tree Specimen

Cedrus deodara

Deodar Cedar

Family Pinaceae

Photos taken at Fresno, CA, Huntington Botanical Gardens – San Marino, CA, Strybing Arboretum – San Francisco, CA, Bakersfield, CA, Los Altos, CA, Stanford University – Palo Alto, CA and UC Santa Cruz Arboretum – Santa Cruz, CA by M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer, C. Stubler

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential : Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 7, 8, 9
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Conical
  • Foliage type: Evergreen
  • Maximum height: 60 feet
  • Canopy width: 20-30 feet
  • Growth rate: ~36 in/year
  • Flowers: Fragrant
  • Flowering: Fall
  • Fruiting: Spring
  • Litter: Large Green and Brown Cone

Site Consideration 

Parkland, Wildland, Tree Specimen

Parkinsonia x ‘Desert Museum’

Desert Museum Palo Verde

Family Fabaceae

Photos taken at Pasadena, CA, Huntington Botanical Gardens – San Marino, CA, Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, CA and UC Davis, Davis, CA by M. Ritter, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2’ – 5’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Very Low
  • USDA zones: 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Sun exposure: Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Neutral to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Inland Good 
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 20 feet
  • Canopy width: 20-25 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24-36 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
  • Flower color: Yellow
  • Flowering: Spring or Summer
  • Fruit: Large Brown Legume
  • Fruiting: Fall 
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Screen, and Tree Specimen

Chilopsis linearis

Desert Willow

Family Bignoniaceae

Photos taken at UC Davis – Davis, CA, Palm Springs, CA, Los Angeles County Arboretum – Arcadia, CA, Cal Poly Leaning Pine Arboretum – San Luis Obispo, CA and Albuquerque BioPark – Rio Grande Botanic Gardenby Robert O’Brien, M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2’-5’
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Very Low
  • USDA zones: 8, 9
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand
  • Soil pH: Neutral to Very Alkaline
  • Salt spray tolerance: Low
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 30 feet
  • Canopy width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24-36 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
  • Flower color: Purple or Pink or Red or White
  • Flowering: Spring or Summer
  • Fruit: Brown Capsule
  • Fruiting: Fall 
  • Fruit value: Wildlife use it
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Tilia cordata

Littleleaf Linden

Family Tiliaceae

http://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1408#:~:text=Photos%20taken%20at,Mark%2C%20J.%20Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 60 feet
  • Canopy width: 15-30 feet
  • Growth rate: ~12-24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
  • Flowering: Summer
  • Fruiting: Fall 
  • Litter: Small Dry Fruit

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Tree Specimen, Parkland

Cornus nutallii

Mountain Dogwood

Family Cornaceae

http://plants.squakmtnursery.com/12230001/Plant/11591/Pacific_Dogwood/, Tilden Regional Parks Botanical Garden – Berkeley, CA and Hoyt Arboretum – Portland, OR by J. Reimer, M. Ritter

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: <10’
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 7, 8
  • Sun exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade
  • Soil texture: Loam or Clay 
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Neutral
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Vase
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 50 feet
  • Canopy width: 20-25 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24  in/year
  • Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
  • Flower color: White
  • Flowering: Spring or Fall
  • Fruit: Small Orange or Red Drupe
  • Fruiting: Spring or Fall 
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’

Natchez Hybrid Crape Myrtle

Family Lythraceae

Photos taken at Dallas Arboretum – Dallas, TX, Cohn Arboretum – Baton Rouge, LA, Independence Park Botanic Garden – Baton Rouge, LA, River Banks Botanical Garden – Columbia, SC and The National Arboretum – Washington, DC by W. Mark, J. Reimer, C. Stubler

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 5’-10’
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded or Vase
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 25 feet
  • Canopy width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth rate: ~12-24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: White
  • Flowering: Summer
  • Litter: Dry Fruit Capsules

Site Consideration 

 Screen, Tree Specimen 

Catalpa speciosa

Northern Catalpa

Family Bignoniaceae

Photos taken at National Arboretum – Washington, D.C., Los Angeles County Arboretum – Arcadia, CA, by M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: < 10’
  • Root Damage Potential : Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Sun exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Moderate Inland
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 60 feet
  • Canopy width: 20-40 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24-36 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flowering: Summer
  • Fruit: Large Brown Capsule
  • Fruiting: Fall
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Parkland, Tree Specimen

Parrotia persica

Persian Ironwood

Family Hamamelidaceae

Photos taken at Dallas Arboretum – Dallas, TX, Los Angeles County Arboretum – Arcadia, CA, Strybing Arboretum – San Francisco, CA, San Luis Obispo, CA, Hoyt Arboretum – Portland, OR, Finch Arboretum – Spokane, WA and The National Arboretum – Washington, DC by M. Ritter, C. Stubler, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 5’ to 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential : Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam or Sand
  • Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 35 feet
  • Canopy width: 15-35 feet
  • Growth rate: ~12-24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: Red
  • Flowering: Spring
  • Fruit: Medium Capsule
  • Fruiting: Summer or Fall
  • Litter: Fruit

Site Consideration 

Screen, Streetscape, Tree Specimen

Lagerstroemia indica ‘Powhatan’

Powhatan Crape Myrtle

Family Lythraceae

Photos taken at The National Arboretum – Washington, DC by C. Stubler, J. Reimer, W. Mark

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2 – 5’
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Very Low
  • USDA zones: 7, 8, 9
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 20 feet
  • Canopy width: 8 – 12 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: Purple or Pink
  • Flowering: Summer
  • Litter: Dry Fruit Capsules

Site Consideration 

Hedge, Screen, and Tree

Lagerstroemia ‘Seminole’

Seminole Crape Myrtle

Family Lythraceae

Photos taken at Independence Park Botanic Garden – Baton Rouge, LA and The National Arboretum – Washington, DC by Robert O’Brien, C. Stubler, J. Reimer, W. Mark

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2’-5’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Very Low
  • USDA zones: 7, 8, 9
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded or Vase
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 15 feet
  • Canopy width: 6-15 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: Pink
  • Flowering: Summer
  • Litter: Dry Fruit Capsules

Site Consideration 

Screen,  Tree Specimen

Cotinus coggygria

Smoke Tree

Family Anacardiaceae

Photos taken at Cal Poly State University – San Luis Obispo, CA, The National Arboretum – Washington, DC and Finch Arboretum – Spokane, WA by M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2’ – 5’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Low
  • USDA zones: 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance:Moderate Inland
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 15 feet
  • Canopy width: 10 – 18 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: Purple
  • Flowering: Spring 
  • Fruit: Very Small Pink Drupe
  • Fruiting: Summer 
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Site Consideration 

Streetscape, Screen, and Tree Specimen

Olea europaea ‘Swan Hill’

Swan Hill Olive

Family Oleaceae

Photos taken at San Diego, City of – San Diego, CA by DeLorenzo Inc.

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 5’ – 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use: Low
  • USDA zones:  8, 9, 10
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Slightly Acidic  to Very Alkaline
  • Soil salinity tolerance: Coastal Moderate 
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Evergreen
  • Maximum height: 30 feet
  • Canopy width: 25 – 30 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24 in/year
  • Flowers: Inconspicuous
  • Flowering: Spring
  • Fruit: Fruitless
  • Litter: Null

Site Consideration 

Hedge, Screen, and Tree Specimen

Cercis occidentalis

Western Redbud

Family Fabaceae

Photos taken at Leaning Pine Arboretum – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA, Cal Poly State University – San Luis Obispo, CA, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Los Angeles County Arboretum – Arcadia, CA and UC Santa Cruz Arboretum – Santa Cruz, CA by Robert O’Brien, D. Lorenzo, J. Smith, M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 2’-5’ 
  • Root Damage Potential: Low
  • SelecTree Water Use: Medium
  • USDA zones: 7, 8, 9
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam or Sand or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
  • Powerline friendly: Yes

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Rounded
  • Foliage type: Deciduous
  • Maximum height: 20 feet
  • Canopy width: 10-20 feet
  • Growth rate: ~24-36 in/year
  • Flowers: Showy
  • Flower color: Purple
  • Flowering: Spring
  • Fruit: Brown Legumes
  • Fruiting: Fall to Summer
  • Fruit value: Wildlife use it
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Abies concolor

White Fir

Family Pinaceae

Photos taken at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley, B.C., Grand Canyon, AZ, Red Butte Garden – Salt Lake City, UT, Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Regional Park – Berkeley, CA, Finch Arboretum – Spokane, WA and Hoyt Arboretum – Portland, OR by Blake Willson – TreeLib.ca, M. Ritter, W. Mark, J. Reimer

Site Conditions

  • Planting area: 10’ 
  • Root Damage Potential : Moderate
  • SelecTree Water Use:  Low
  • USDA zones: 5, 6, 7
  • Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
  • Soil texture: Loam, Sand, or Clay
  • Soil pH: Very Acidic to Neutral
  • Salt spray tolerance: Moderate 
  • Powerline friendly: No

Tree Characteristics

  • Tree Shape: Conical
  • Foliage type: Evergreen
  • Maximum height: 50 feet
  • Canopy width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth rate: ~12-24 in/year
  • Flowers: Fragrant
  • Flowering: Spring 
  • Fruit: Large Purple Cone
  • Fruiting: Fall or Winter
  • Litter: Dry Fruit

Site Consideration 

Parkland, Wildland, Tree Specimen

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