Trees

Abies nobilis ( Noble fir )

 
Description: This is an impressive true fir tree that is native to the Pacific Northwest. At maturity it has a distinct pyramidal shape. Commonly used for Christmas trees in its youth. Needles are dark green, short, and held tightly. In the wild it can reach a height 260' tall x 30' wide. It is a very slow grower , and that's not going to happen in your garden although it should be used as a large specimen tree and given an appropriate setting. 100' x 20' can be expected in time.
Ideal conditions: Hardy to -23 degrees celcius. Likes part sun on the coast out of direct contact with the drying sea winds. Moist soil that is slightly drained, and loose. Add rich, organic matter annually, or as needed. Regular water until established.
Bloom: Small cones will start to appear at roughly 15- 20 years of age.
 

Acer Palmatum 'Atropurpureum' ( Red Ribbonleaf Maple )

 
Description: Medium growing, vase like, deciduous, broadleaf tree. Height 12'-15' x 6'-10'.
Ideal conditions: Sun part shade. Composted soil. Good drainage. Doesn't enjoy coastal winds.
Bloom: No bloom
 

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen' ( Laceleaf Japanese Maple )

 
Description: Low growing mounded variety. Up to 9' tall x 9' wide. Very slow grower. Excellent choice for a pot with good drainage.
Ideal conditions: Sun on coast to part shade. Enjoys well drained soil that is in the acidic ranges. Organic matter is appreciated. Regular water. Does not enjoy the coastal breeze or hot drying winds.
Bloom: none.
 

Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' ( Japanese Coral Bark Maple )

 
Description: Slow growing to 15' tall and wide. Erect upright tree with numerous smaller twigs making it quite dense. New branch growth is bright red. Reddish tinged new foliage becomes greenish yellow in summer then turns gold in fall.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil that is in the acidic ranges. Organic matter is appreciated. Regular water, and a sheltered location.
Bloom: None.

Acer dissectum 'Waterfall' ( Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple )

 
Description: Forms a weeping mound 5-8' high and twice as wide. Light green leaves finely cut, fernlike, flowing and elegant. Brilliant yellow and gold fall color.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil that is in the acidic ranges. Organic matter is appreciated. Regular water. Does not enjoy the coastal breeze or hot drying winds, but can take more sun than most Japanese maples.
Bloom: None.

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Bloodgood' ( Threadleaf Japanese Maple )

 
Description: 10 -12' high and wide. Lacy, finely divided leaves that are reddish purple in spring, and summer, turning scarlet in the fall.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil that is in the acidic ranges. Organic matter is appreciated. Regular water. Does not enjoy the coastal breeze or hot drying winds.
Bloom: None

Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' ( Norway maple )

 
Description: 50-60' tall x 20' wide. Dark purple wide leaf. Color holds until leaves drop. Grey bark. Slower growing than other big leaf varieties.
Ideal conditions: Acidic soils of varied structure. Sun to part shade. Does not seem to mind heavy winds.
Bloom: Small greenish yellow flowers in early spring.

Araucaria 'araucana' ( Monkey Puzzle Tree )

 
Description: A strange looking evergreen conifer. Heavy spreading ropelike branches closely set with sharp pointed, hard, dark green leaves. Very slow growing in youth, it eventually reaches 70 - 90' tall x 30' wide. Hardiest of araucarias.
Ideal conditions: Full sun with well drained soil, and regular water. Also works well as a container tree.
Bloom: When they mature they drop large spiny 15 - 20lb cones that fall with a crash, so watch out!

Betula pendula 'Youngii' ( Weeping Birch )

 
Description: This deciduous weeper has small, round, serrated leaves, with silver grey peeling bark. 20'-24' tall x the same in width.
Ideal conditions: Average soil that is moist yet well drained. Full sun to partial.
Bloom: None.
 

Picea pungens ( Colorado Blue Spruce )

 
Description: In the wild it reaches 80'-100' tall in maturity. A landscape setting will see it at 35-50' tall. It can grow up to 12" per year after it settles from transplanting. How fast it settles depends on the size of the transplant. Clean pyramidal shape with distinct blue needles that are up to 2" in length. On the coast the needles are shorter with more green. Probably due to less sun.
Ideal conditions: Rich, deep, moist soil is best. Full sun on the coast. Tolerant of coastal conditions, but does not enjoy being in direct contact with the drying sea breeze.
Bloom: Immature cones are pinkish purple in color maturing to a light brown about 4" long, and closed tightly. They hang down.

Cedrus Deodara ( Deodar Cedar )

 
Description: Fast growing to 80' with a spread of 40' at ground level if site allows. Graceful pendulous branches have needles that are set in tufts up to 2" long. In sun they may be greyish green, but in shade they are darker green. Softer, and lighter texture than other cedars.
Ideal conditions: Sun with shelter from coastal wind. Prefers acidic soil, but will grow in almost anything. Regular compost and mulch will give it a fuller look. Water regularly until established.
Bloom: No bloom

Cercidiphyllum japonicum ( Katsura tree )

 
Description: An exceptional deciduous tree. Spring growth starts out with pinkish colored leaves that are round in shape, turning coppery then bluish green. Yellow to apricot shades in the fall with a cotton candy scent to the crushed leaf. Slow grower to 40' or taller. May stay pyramidal or grow into an oval shape. Some have a single trunk, but most have multiple.
Ideal conditions: Full sun to light shade. Regular water until established. Can tolerate a drought in cooler areas.
Bloom: None.

Cercis candensis 'Forest pansy' ( Eastern Redbud )

 
Description: Deciduous tree 25-35' tall and wide. Full sun on the coast. Large heart shaped leaves maroon in color. Starts late on the coast. Every year I think Ive lost it. Sensitive to wet and cold.
Ideal conditions: Full sun on coast. Moderate to regular water on coast. Tolerates most soils that are well drained.
Bloom: Pinkish red flowers in late spring.
 

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ( Yellow Cedar )

 
Description: Large tree to 50 meters tall with an often slight twist in the trunk. The tip of the leader droops and the flattened branches tend to hang swag like, and appear limp. The bark is dirty white to greyish brown.
Ideal conditions: Moist wet sites. Often in rocky areas at middle to high elevations from southwestern BC southward. Occasionally descends to sea level on the westcoast of Vancouver Island.
Bloom: Small cones

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracillis' ( Slender Hinoki Cypress)

 
Description: Grows slowly to 20' tall x 4'- 5' wide. It is a slender, somewhat weeping form, soft and dense with a nodding top. Branch ends have very dark, shiny green foliage.
Ideal conditions: Average soil in sun to part shade. Regular water.
Bloom: None.
 

Corylus avellana 'Contorta' ( Harry Lauder Walking Stick )

 
Description: Moderate grower 8-10' tall and wide. Can be pruned smaller, but it's spectacular when left to mature on its own. Upright deciduous tree with distinct twisted and curled branches. If leaves become too thick to see the twisted canes you can thin them somewhat.
Ideal conditions: Regular water. full sun for more bloom but part shade works too. Well drained soil with organic matter.
Bloom: Pale yellow pendulous flowers hang down 2-4" from new growth in early spring.

Cryptomeria Japonica ( Rein's Dense Jade Japanese cedar )

 
Description: 15-20' upright evergreen tree. Dense, soft, needlelike growth in 2 shades of green at once. These needles are very short and seem fused to the branch like a thick rope. Its shape is slightly spherical with a pointed top.
Ideal conditions: Likes sun to light shade. Rich, moist, well drained soil. Hardy to -25 degrees celcius. No pruning is necessary as it keeps its shape well.
Bloom: No bloom
 

Cunninghamia lanceolata ( China Fir )

 
Description: Native to China. Soft needled conifer with cascading branches of dark green. New growth is lighter. Grows at a moderate rate from 30', and up depending on planting area.
Ideal conditions: Prefers a sheltered location. Does not appreciate a lot of wind, but can take sun or part shade. Average soil that is well drained. Moderate water.
Bloom: 1-2" cones are interesting but not profuse.

Cupressocyparis leylandii ( Leyland Cypress )

 
Description: Grows very fast. Be very careful where you put it !! Up to 70' tall. Can be pruned into a tall, thick 10-15' high hedge. Maintain it regularly though, or it will get out of control. Long slender, upright branches with flattened grey green foliage.
Ideal conditions: Will accept a wide variety of soils and climate conditions. Moderate to regular water. Full or part sun.
Bloom: Very small cones.
 

Draceana Draco ( Dragon tree )

 
Description: A subtropical dragon tree native to the canary islands. This evergreen palmlike tree doesn't appreciate our coastal winters getting colder. In maturity with the right conditions ( hot! ) it can reach a height of 30' tall. In the pacific northwest garden it is typically seen at a maximum height of 15' tall. As it matures and starts to flower annually a single stem may start to grow multiple trunks. As an infant it is a common addition to pelargonium planters. Can be repotted after summer, or put directly in the garden.
Ideal conditions: Sun with well drained soil. A borderline plant outdoors on the coast. Snow on top can rot it, but in the spring new shoots may break out from the bottom if left alone.
Bloom: Mature plants will grow creamy white flowers out of the top, held on spikes that are similar in size to leaf spikes below.

Eucalyptus Gunnii (Cider Gum)

 
Description: Rapid growing evergreen tree. Reaches 20'-30' tall in maturity then starts to get wider in the canopy. Branches can be broken easily in snow, but can stand temps dropping to -14 to -20 degrees celcius. Juvenile leaves are round, and colored greenish grey with a white powder like residue on them. Mature leaves tend to elongate, and turn a richer green. It can be kept with round leaves, and to a smaller garden size with annual pruning back. Bark is smooth, and very pale green when young. It becomes patchy with age which exposes layers of yellowish brown underneath.
Ideal conditions: Plant young plants in a semi sheltered area. They prefer well drained soil that is deep, and loose with hot sun. Regular water until established. Add compost and mulch as needed.
Bloom: Small creamy flowers in summer when mature.

Eucalyptus pauciflora 'niphophila' ( Snow gum )

 
Description: A small evergreen tree native to eastern Australia. The bark on a young plant is smooth, and colored white, grey, also brownish red. As it ages the bark begins to peel in patches. All the above colors will be visible in varying degrees at that time. Leaves are greyish green, narrowly shaped about 3-6" long. Mature trees in the wild may reach heights of 70' tall, but in a garden setting about 20-30'. Tolerates cold temps well, and handles snow load by drooping its branches to the ground so it falls off.
Ideal conditions: Plant young trees in a slightly sheltered area with plenty of sun. Well drained soil that is deep and loose. Add compost and mulch as needed. Regular water until established.
Bloom: White flowers in summer as it ages. Leaves have a spicy scent when crushed.
 

Fagus sylvatica Pendula ( Green weeping beech )

 
Description: Slow growing deciduous broadleaf tree. Mature size can be 80' tall x 50' wide. Salty soil can stunt growth, and salty winds can burn leaves. Stake young trees to get a strong leader. Branches grow out vertically and then droop. Bark is silver white. Leaves are bright green in summer turning to yellow then copper brown in the fall. Their shape is almost round with distinct ridges on them like the 'ripple chip' ( potato chips ).
Ideal conditions: Likes full sun on the coast. Most soil types will work. Organic matter incorporated into the soil is a bonus. Hardy to -26 degrees celcius.
Bloom: Not significant

Picea orientalis 'Skylands' ( Golden Compact Oriental Spruce)

 
Description: 35' tall x 12' wide in maturity. It is a fine textured medium sized evergreen conifer tree. A slow grower that will reach about 10' x 4' in 10 years. Needles are very tight together and short. Shows golden color on top of the branch, and dark green below. If situated in too much shade it will lose the vibrant gold.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil with organic matter. Sun or light shade on the coast. Needs protection from drying winds.
Bloom: In spring, the young carmine-red flowers resembling strawberries, are soon followed by reddish-purple cones that turn brown as they mature.
 

Laburnum x watereri 'Vossi' ( Golden Chain Tree )

 
Description: Moderate deciduous tree reaching 20' tall x 15' wide. Growth is upright with bright green leaves, and greenish brown bark.
Ideal conditions: Sun on coast to part shade. Moderate to regular water with well drained soil. Prune after bloom to keep tidy. All parts are poisonous if ingested.
Bloom: Vibrant yellow blooms mid to late spring that hang down in a chain like wisteria.
 

Larix decidua 'Pendula' ( European weeping larch )

 
Description: Weeping deciduous conifer. Numerous hanging branches have soft, silvery green needles that cascade. In the fall they turn golden yellow before falling out. Medium height.
Ideal conditions: Moist soil and some protection from inland heat, and drying coastal winds. Can take sun to part shade on coast.
Bloom: none

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon' ( American Sweetgum )

 
Description: 60'-70' tall in a landscape setting. A stunning deciduous tree. Narrow lobed star shaped leaves are bright green in summer turning shades of brilliant red, orange, and yellow in fall.
Ideal conditions: Tolerates damp soil but will do fine in dry. Full sun with moderate to regular water. Quite comfortable in an urban setting if you have the space.
Bloom: Flowers show in March to May on mature trees. Seed pods that dry, and are held onto for a while are shaped like a medieval mace or flail..

Magnolia x soulangeana ( Saucer Magnolia )

 
Description: A 20'- 25' tall x the same width deciduous tree. Bright green leaves and greyish brown bark.
Ideal conditions: Fertile well drained soil with full sun and protection from harsh salt winds.
Bloom: Tongue shaped petals from 5"- 10 " long form a deep cup in shades of light pink to dark, and appear before the leaves in spring.
 

Myrica cerifera ( Wax Myrtle )

 
Description: A small tree or shrub native to North America. It can reach a height of 15'- 20' x the same wide, but looks better when sheared down a bit to promote a fuller look. Leaves are 2"- 4" long. Narrow lance like shape colored dark green.
Ideal conditions: Moist soils in full sun to part shade. A great screen hedge for coastal waterfront properties. Extremely tolerant to sea spray and wind. 
Bloom: waxy blue grey berries

Picea abies 'Aurea' ( Golden Norway Spruce )

 
Description: The new needles of this compact 30-40' x 15' wide tree open bright yellow before changing to a pretty yellow-green which they remain all year. Color is more intense on younger trees.
Ideal conditions: This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist soil of any type, but will not tolerate standing water.
Bloom: Average size cones.

Picea omorika 'Pendula Bruns' ( Twisted Picea )

 
Description: Bruns Weeping Spruce has attractive dark green needles with silver undersides which emerge light green in spring. The needles are about 1 1/2" long, and loose. The smooth brick red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. Growth is slow and twisted. Mature height is about 12' x 5'. An excellent feature tree.
Ideal conditions: This tree should only be grown in full sun. It does best in average to evenly moist soils, but will rot in standing water. It isn't picky about soil type, but will not tolerate urban pollution.
Bloom: Small cones .

Picea omorika 'Bruns' ( Serbian Spruce )

 
Description: Slow growing, pyramidal, coniferous evergreen tree. Height 20'-30'. Spread 10'-15'. Excellent small garden evergreen as it stays narrow for so many years. This tree has a pleasant slightly weeping shape with its short swag like branches. Needles are smaller than some spruce, up to 1" long. They are colored dark blueish-green with white underneath which gives it a two tone appearance.
Ideal conditions: Full sun on the coast, but will tolerate partial. For soil a moist well drained loam is perfect, but again it will tolerate most others. Hardy to -37 degrees celcius.
Bloom: Cones are oval shaped up to 2 1/2" long, and pendulous. In youth their color is blue black, and petals are sealed shut tightly. As they blossom they turn cinnamon brown.

Pinus densiflora umbraculifera (Tanyosho pine)

 
Description: 12'-20' high x 10-15' wide. Evergreen conifer. Broad, and flat topped with numerous trunks from base. Spread is greater than height, and a mature specimen is garden art au' natural if left alone. If you do shear to keep the size down it is best to prune out thin, and weak branches on the inside as well. Needles are up to 3" long, and colored bright green.
Ideal conditions: Dry, well drained soil rich in organic matter is best, but it will tolerate any dry soil type. Full sun is best on the coast. Regular water until established.
Bloom: Small dark brown cones.

Pinus leucodermis ( Bosnian Pine )

 
Description: Slow grower 50 -70' tall x 15-20' wide. Smaller in a garden. Stiff dark green needles are 2 1/2- 3 1/2" long .
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil. Regular water with sun to part shade. Not as thickly needled in the shade. Tolerant of the sea breeze.
Bloom: Narrowly oval blue to bright brown cones 2-3" long are carried singly or in clusters of three.
 

Pinus nigra ( Austrian Pine )

 
Description: Medium growing evergreen conifer. Pyramidal in shape. 25-30' tall x 15-20' wide. Stiff, very dark green needles 4-7" long.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil. Sun to part shade. Regular water. Once established it can tolerate a drought. Does not seem bothered with coastal wind.
Bloom: Brown cones 2-3" long.

Pinus parviflora 'glauca' ( Japanese White Pine )

 
Description: Slow to moderate grower 20-50' tall and wide or larger. Needles are 1 1/2 to 2" long, bluish green and held in groups of 5.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil. Sun to part shade. Regular water, but will take a drought well on the coast. Does not like the sea breeze. Great subject for bonzai, and containers.
Bloom: Oval to oblong reddish blue cones are 2-3 " long.

Pinus strobus pendula ( Weeping White Pine)

 
Description: This tree has long, feathery soft needles 3" long or more. Grey blue in color, and held in groups of 5. Branches come out horizontally then weep down gracefully. It doesn't get much more than 12' tall, but it's width can spread out as far as 35' in maturity.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil. Sun to part shade with regular water, but will take a drought well on the coast. Does not like the sea breeze. Best to prune off the lower branches if you want the weeping shape otherwise it will become a large, rangy shrub.
Bloom: Slender, but firm, and often curved cones reach 3-8" long.
 

Prunus 'Kwanzan' ( Flowering Cherry )

 
Description: Stiffly, upright branches form a narrow inverted cone that spreads wider and higher with age. 30' tall x 20' wide.
Ideal conditions: Any soil seems to do as long as it is there is drainage. Watch out for root rot if its too wet. Full sun. with moderate water.
Bloom: Large double deep pink in pendant clusters. Blossoms appear before or with young leavesin mid to late spring depending on the warmth in the air.

Prunus laurocerasus ( English laurel )

 
Description: 20' tall x 20' wide fast growing evergreen tree that can be kept as a large shrub with proper pruning. Do not shear. Cut each branch individually. If you want it as a tree cut off the bottom branches. Smooth grey bark is a great contrast against the bright green glossy leaves when its mature.
Ideal conditions: Full sun to heavy shade. Most well drained soil. Regular water or not.
Bloom: long chains of creamy white flowers in early summer.
 

Prunus X blireiana ( Flowering Plum )

 
 
Description: Graceful form. New leaves are reddish purple then turn to greenish bronze through summer.
Ideal conditions: Well drained soil. Sun on coast. Seems to tolerate partial sun here, but blooms aren't as plentiful. Organic matter with regular water, but can take drought.
Bloom: Single pink blossoms open from dark pink buds. Very early spring bloom and hardy in the heavy rain.

Pseudotsuga menziesii ( Douglas Fir )

 
Description: A towering evergreen conifer reaching 80'-100' tall x 30' wide. The crown of a young tree is pyramidal with a stiffly erect leader. Branches tend to swag ( the middle drops down. The tip points up. ) Mature bark is very thick, and rough with deep ridges. Young needles are 1 1/2"long. They are bright green, soft and held loosely. As they mature the color turns darker green with a hint of blue on the underside. The texture also stiffens.
Ideal conditions: Tolerates most soils. Full sun or light shade. Prefers some shelter over its roots as in a groundcover. Young trees need protection from hot drying winds.
Bloom: Up to a 3 1/2" long reddish-brown cone with small wisps on the end of each petal. You can definitely recognize a Douglas fir from the bright cones that stand out from a distance.

Salix purpurea 'Pendula' ( Alaska blue willow )

 
Description: Deciduous tree to 15' high and wide with purple weeping branches. Very narrow 1-3" leaves are dark green above, and bluish beneath. Maintainable for a smaller garden.
Ideal conditions: Full sun to part shade. Ample water. Prefers moist humus soil over dry sandy.
Bloom: none

Sambucus 'caerulea' ( Blue Elderberry )

 
Description: A small tree, or large shrub growing to 30' tall. Large deciduous, dark green, veined leaves are placed opposite. Young leaf stems are a bit red, while old stems are greenish grey.
Ideal conditions: Moist soil in part to full sun. Native from southern Vancouver Island, and adjacent mainland to southern California.
Bloom: Flat topped sprays of creamy white flowers then glossy blue berries. Don't eat them raw as they may cause nausea.
 

Sorbus aucuparia ( European mountain ash )

 
Description: 20 - 40' tall x 15 - 20' wide. Sharply rising branches form a dense, oval to round crown. Leaves are 5-9" long with 9-15 leaflets; they are dull green above with grey green below, and turn yellow to reddish in the fall.
Ideal conditions: Full sun to light shade. Moderate to regular water with well drained soil.
Bloom: Sprays of white flowers are seen in the spring and then bright orange berry like fruit in late summer.

Thuja plicata ( Western Red Cedar )

 
Description: Large tree up to 60 meters tall. Native to the Pacific Northwest coast. Bark grey to reddish brown, tearing off in long fragrant strips that were traditionally used by natives for woven items.
Ideal conditions: Moist to wet soil, usually in shaded forests. Grows best on seepage and alluvial sites, but also occurs in drier habitats, especially on richer soils, and in bogs. Low to medium elevations.
Bloom: Small cones.

Thuja plicata 'excelsa'

 
Description: Evergreen conifer with a conical habit. It has dark green foliage on ascending branches and makes a natural looking windbreak when planted in groups.
Ideal conditions: Will tolerate most soil types, but they must be well drained. Part sun to full. Does not enjoy being too exposed to drying winds and salt spray.
Bloom: none

Trachycarpus fortunei ( Windmill palm )

 
Description: Moderate to fast growth 30' high to 10' wide. 1 1/2' long stalks carry 3' wide leaves on mature plants.
Ideal Conditions: Full sun, or light shade. Well draining soil with regular water.
Bloom: No significant bloom.

Tsuga candensis ( Canada Hemlock)

 
Description: Dense pyramidal tree 40-70' tall or more, half as wide. Tends to produce multi trunks. Outer branchlets droop gracefully. Dark green 1/2" long needles mostly arranged in opposite rows.
Ideal conditions: Can take moist soil. Sun to part shade. Regular water.
Bloom: Small brown cones 1/2-3/4"

Tsuga heterophylla ( Western Hemlock )

 
Description: Native along coast from Alaska to Northern California, inland to northern Idaho and Montana. Handsome tree with narrow pyramidal crown. Grows fairly fast to 70-130' tall x 20-30' wide. Somewhat drooping branches with fine textured, darkgreen to yellowish foliage. Delicate needles are 1/4-3/4" long grown in 2 rows.
Ideal conditions. Best grown in partial shade. Can take wetter soil with regular water.
Bloom: Small brown cones 1/2-3/4"

Acer palmatum atropurpureum 'Bloodgood' ( Red Japanese Maple )

 
Description: Vigorous upright growth to 15' tall x the same wide. Deep red spring and summer foliage turn scarlet in the fall.
Ideal conditions: More tolerant of wetter soils than the threadleaf variety but would prefer drained soil that is in the acidic ranges. Organic matter is appreciated. Regular water. Does not enjoy the coastal breeze or hot drying winds.
Bloom: None.
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