Such a cool native conifer, growing so close to us in it's native Santa Lucia mountain range, and so rare in Santa Cruz landscapes. I have seen it growing nicely in SLO and the pictures below is at Tilden Park. It gets its name from the very long awns on the ends of the cone scales. The tree is an evergreen conifer growing up to 70' tall and 20' wide. Quite a narrow and spire-like shape, full canopy with short lateral branches that weep at the tip. Broad spreading at the base and retaining it's lateral branches at the ground. If you go to Tilden park, especially around the golf course area you will see hundreds planted and lots of and lots of seedlings.
This is the one on Loma Prieta Drive. Rumor has it a huge house is going in and the oak stump is a sign that its happening (5/24/24). The neighbor a few doors down had no idea she has such a rare tree, and was not likely to take it down. Why do odd trees end up almost next door and not anywhere else? There was a California nutmeg (Torreya californica just around the corner years ago but came down.
Leaves (needles) are evergreen, needle like, 1.5 - 2.5 " long, stiff, flat, dark glossy green on the upper surface twisted at the base with a sharply pointed tip. Lower surface has 2 distinct lines of stomates. Leaves appear 2 ranked on lower branches or may be radiating around the stem on vigorous stems.
Cones are held upright on the tops of the trees, They are 2.5 - 3.5" long, almost egg shaped, with long scale tips. Cones are purplish brown at maturity. As with all true firs you will not find full cones on the ground as they mature and fall apart on the tree, unless a squirrel or the wind brought one down. You will find the scales on the ground.
Male cones are small and yellow when mature.
A great characteristic of this tree is the distinct long pointed non resinous buds. Bark is smooth when young, lacking hairs, maturing bark is lightly checked.
Misidentification: The leaves and terminal buds might look doug fir like, but these are way sharper and a bit longer. Obviously look at the ground, you will not find whole cones like a doug fir.
Location: Aptos
507 Loma Prieta Dr, I could not really determine the true address, I think its across the street from this. While you are there, look at 507 for the
Torreya californica (Torreya was removed 2013).509 Loma Prieta Dr. is the other one.
