In the collective unconscious, Los Angeles will be forever linked with the palm tree. However, almost anything will grow in the area, so oaks, pines, and other trees are a very important part of the city’s culture. Of course, trees aren’t treated the same as the Walk of Fame or the Hollywood Sign, but they play a very important role in the city. Los Angeles trees are usually pretty adaptable to different soils, require very low irrigation, and can usually provide shade, fruit, or a sense of security.
We will talk about the most common trees in Los Angeles in this article, so keep reading to find out more!
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Los Angeles Trees – Most Common Varieties
1. Fern Pine
Fern pine is usually known under the name Podocarpus gracilior in nurseries. It produces clusters of light green leaves that darken as the tree matures. These leaves can grow up to four inches in length and are usually irregularly spaced. In addition, the flowers are not conspicuous and are often yellow for the whole year. Unlike most pines, this one doesn’t produce a cone, but rather a fleshy fruit with a single seed.
At maturity, this tree will grow to about 60 feet in height in the optimal environment. Like most Los Angeles trees, it prefers full sun exposure and is not very picky when it comes to soil type. Tree services California recommend it due to its toughness, adaptability, and great looks.
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2. Purple Orchid
The purple orchid, known as the Bauhinia purpurea in the botanical world, is a blooming tree with a beautiful structure that offers a unique look to any landscape. It originates from Asia but its large, ornamental, fragrant blooms are favored among Los Angeles residents. In addition, it will fit into almost any landscape size considering it is a fast grower. The trunk is topped with arching branches and clothed in butterfly-shaped leaves. It is one of the most common trees in Los Angeles since it provides something of interest throughout the whole year.
Once it hits maturity, it will grow to about 35 feet in height. It prefers a full sun area, and somewhat regular irrigation during summer. However, problems with soil are rarely an issue due to the deep-rooted nature of the tree.
3. European White Birch
You will find European white birch in nurseries under the name Betula pendula. This is a beautiful landscape tree with amazing fall color and flaky, white bark. It has an open-branched, pyramidal form while it is young. As it matures, it will change its shape to a more rounded form, but will still stay graceful. Diamond-shaped foliage emerges in spring and is always a sensation. The leaves are glossy and will always be the main attraction.
It will grow to about 35 feet in height as it matures. European white birch is considered a fast grower, as long as you provide ideal conditions (full sun exposure and evenly moist soil). Like other Los Angeles trees, European white birch requires some watering during hot summer months.
4. Eastern Redbud
Eastern redbud can be found under the name Cercis Canadensis. Most people find it one of the most beautiful trees in the state due to its specific look when the tree is in bloom. The tree will produce clusters of tiny magenta buds that swell into showy, rosy pink flowers in early spring. The leaves will appear right after the flowers, and the blossoms will put on a show for about two to three weeks.
The tree will grow to about 30 feet in height as it matures. It tolerates alkaline and acidic soils, as well as heavy clays. In addition, full sun exposure to light shade is optimal in terms of sunlight. Eastern redbud is one of the most common trees in Los Angeles due to its unique look.
5. Camphor Tree
Camphor tree is known as the Cinnamomum camphora in nurseries. It is commonly planted along streets in the state, especially in the last few years. Its fissured bark, stout branches, and broad, pale green leaves are the reason why most tree service Los Angeles companies recommend this tree. The bark of this tree is the source of ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks. Additionally, the tree is covered with fragrant flowers during early spring.
At maturity, the Camphor tree will grow to about 65 feet in height. Similar to other Los Angeles trees on this list, it also prefers full sun exposure and slightly acidic or alkaline soil. The tree is very common in the area due to its shading capacity.
6. Red Flowering Gum
In nurseries, this tree can be found under the name Corymbia ficifolia. This flowering tree is very desirable due to its very unique flower clusters that form in late summer. Its showy flowers can also show sporadically throughout the year, and they are usually red, pink, or orange. The tree has a huge shading capacity due to its leaf density.
Once it hits maturity, this tree will grow to about 45 feet in height, provided the optimal environment. Additionally, full sun exposure to part shade and moist to dry soil is preferred. Red flowering gum is one of the most common trees in Los Angeles due to its adaptability, looks, and toughness.
7. Red Iron Bark
Red ironbark is commonly named Eucalyptus sideroxylon in nurseries. It is a very handsome Australian hardwood that grows readily through the whole state. It is easily recognized by its deeply furrowed, hard, rough bark ranging from black to dark grey. It is known for its long-term performance even in weather-exposed structural applications.
The tree will grow to about 65 feet in height. It is considered to be fast-growing if planted in the right environment (full sun exposure, acidic to alkaline soil, and occasional irrigation). The tree is used in woodwork very often.
8. Evergreen Ash
Evergreen ash can be found under the name Fraxinus uhdei in most nurseries. It is a fast-growing, attractive, and drought-tolerant tree with numerous attractive attributes. The leaves are shiny and green o the top and the bottom part is covered in silver hairs. Usually, they are oval-shaped and have pointy tips. Its flowers are very attractive, white in color, and appear in panicles.
The mature size of this tree is about 25 feet. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full sun exposure. The tree requires very little maintenance once it is established, but will need some irrigation in dry periods.
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9. Australian Willow
Australian willow is known under the name Geijera parviflora in botanical nurseries. The tree is very unique as it holds the toughness of a Eucalyptus tree and gracefulness of a Willow tree. It features attractive green/gray foliage and fine-textured bark. Small clusters of small, creamy, fragrant white flowers in early spring are the most beautiful feature of this tree. Australian willow usually grows into a pyramid-like shape, which is why it is very commonly found in parks.
It will grow to about 30 feet in height as it matures. Like other common trees in Los Angeles on this list, Australian willow prefers full sun and little to moderate irrigation. Additionally, the tree requires no pruning requirements and almost no maintenance requirements.
10. Jacaranda
Jacaranda tree is well known as the Jacaranda mimosifolia in the botanical world. There’s no doubt that this tree looks as it got out of a fairy tale, due to its beautiful lavender purple blooms every spring. This lovely tree is usually grown as a large houseplant and is considered to make spectacular bonsai specimens. The spreading branches of this tree may fill your entire front yard, so we recommend consulting with your local arborist about the planting spot.
Jacaranda grows to about 60 feet in height in an optimal environment. It prefers to show off its lavender blooms in full sun, while the root system does the best in sandy soil.
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FAQ
Q: What kind of trees are in Los Angeles?
A: Palm trees are, without a doubt, the most common trees in Los Angeles. In addition, pines, oaks, and citrus trees also thrive in the area without any problems. Most of these trees are very tough and can tolerate different types of soil, occasional drought, and even cold snaps.
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Q: Why are there palm trees in Los Angeles?
A: The main reason for the large number of palm trees in Los Angeles is the urbanization of the city during the 20th century. In the 1930s, the main goal of the city is to make the streets more beautiful, especially since the Olympics were on the way. This is when most palm trees were planted in the city.
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The Local Tree Experts Overview
Most Los Angeles trees share the same characteristics – they are drought tolerant, adaptable to different types of soil, and they require almost no irrigation and maintenance. However, regular monitoring and pruning are needed to keep your trees in shape. This is why we recommend consulting with your local arborist and
