The Red Alder has long, ovate leaves that have bluntly serrated edges and a pointy end. Western Juniper (juniperus occidentalis), 11. An attractive shade tree, the American basswood can grow as tall at 60 to 80 feet with a round and lush crown made up of heart-shaped leaves. Average Size at Maturity: 30-40 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. The English Holly produces red berries that are poisonous to humans, but are a favorite food of birds. Other Common Names: Sierra Hemlock, Black Hemlock, Patton Spruce, and Hemlock Spruce, Average Size at Maturity: 30-100 ft tall and 15-20 ft wide. Get a quote today! In the wild, its a vigorous understory tree whose bent limbs can re-root easily when contact with the earth is made. This large shrub at 4.5 meters in height has a silver brown bark and simple, deciduous leaves. Its a fast-growing species that can be found in lowlands and coastal areas of WA. On the semiarid parts of the Columbia basin, grasses prevail, merging into sagebrush and other scattered shrubs in the driest areas. Red columbine (Aquilegia formosa) Red columbine is a bright, showy plant that makes a big, bold statement in your garden or landscape but is actually fairly easy to care for. They are sensitive to wind and salt sea breezes. They also produce pine cones that can be up to four inches long, with large bract scales that look like petals. The most common plant community in the Pacific Northwest is dominated by large conifers, with a wide range of trees, shrubs and groundcovers as understory plants. This versatile tree can even grow in the shade of other larger trees, where they will be stunted but still healthy. The surefire way to distinguish it is to look at the cone, which has a three-pronged bract emerging between the scales. Washington - Plant and animal life | Britannica 0000005539 00000 n 0000018865 00000 n The snow gum produces a distinctive white sap that is used in making cough syrup. Evergreen trees are special because they do not lose their needles during the fall. The Sitka spruce can grow up to 250 feet tall and feature needles that are around 1 1/4 inch long. The Western Red Cedar can live up to a remarkable 100 years and, during its long lifetime, can grow up to 70 meters in height and 7 meters in trunk diameter. . However, some inland populations exist in western Montana and Northern Idaho. Trees reduce air temperatures by shading impervious surfaces, preventing them from heating up from the suns rays, and by transpiring water, cooling the air much as you feel cooler when sweat evaporates off your skin. Deer, elk, bears . 2023 The Nature Conservancy 0000047375 00000 n Evergreens thrive in Washingtons moist climate and provide much-needed shade and shelter from the cold, wet winters. Here are some common types of Maple Trees in Washington State that you can grow in your garden: 1. Washington state has a variety of different climates that foster a unique group of native trees. Waxy evergreen foliage is typical of the Pacific Madrone, as are their long, broad leaves, which are arranged spirally. Plant in well-drained rich soil. The red cedar also produces small cones that are around 1/4 inch in diameter. Its a slow-growing tree with a rather unpredictable growth habit. Its a pioneer species that colonizes recently disturbed sites near streams and cleared or burned land. Historically these trees had fallen victim to turn-of-the-century logging, leaving their populations at just a fraction of what they once were in many states. Oak trees come in several colors. The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Pacific Madrone is a spreading evergreen tree native to the western coast of North America. May be purchased from WSU Press, Amazon, or other book sellers. Douglas firs can grow up to 200 feet tall and feature short, flat needles that are around one to two inches long. The arils are eaten by birds who disperse the seeds, whilst the foliage is browsed by deer. Most Mountain Hemlocks can be found 60 miles from the Pacific Ocean. 0000023748 00000 n We hope this list will help you branch out and enjoy the trees all around you. 0000178830 00000 n Native Trees of Western Washington: A Photographic Guide, by Kevin Zobrist. It is native to forest areas of Washington and the western United States. 4. %PDF-1.4 % Native Madrone can grow up to 45 feet high and feature smooth, green bark that is divided into plates. Vine Maple (Acer Circinatum) Vine Maple - autumn Vine Maple - summer Trees provide shade and privacy and can even improve your property value. Also known as the Western Yew, this tree is a species of the Yew family and is indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. Emerging shagbark hickory leaves in spring. Large populations of Pacific Dogwood exist in Oregon, Washington, and California. Other Common Names: Douglas Spruce, Red Fir, and Oregon Pine, Average Size at Maturity: 50-80 ft tall and 10-20 ft wide. Most Western Hemlock trees are distributed within 100 km off the Pacific coast in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The trunk is smooth and the branches are greyish/brown and the needles are dark green and shiny, flat, and have two pronounced white stripes on the underside. ;zfj LTp&Vhxo1c]Z)1pUON1sEWoc5){~/f"~9=Xmc[w+X\TbbW\^QUuv}KqY%`l=41w:VF=Nq6ZLB{>*'gkvVp={m{= For a delicate tree in part-shade, try vine maple. 0000085625 00000 n Some maple trees grow well in Washington State. Fun Fact: Love hickory-smoked meat or fish? 0000002596 00000 n The Engelmann Spruce is a large evergreen tree with a pyramidal crown with limbs sometimes reaching towards the ground. HW5WR^ bI$~sP>|.G1Po1!}|6B/o/_n_^^ Small orange/red fruit follow, ripening in the fall and persist into the winter, proving a food source for local birds. Avoid power lines. How to Safely Dispose of Lamp Oil Protect the Nature! Trees Ponderosa Pine Douglas-Fir Western Larch Black Cottonwood Ponderosa Pine Spokane's official tree reigns as the predominant pine in our forests. The leaves are tough, sharp, and needle-like and can grow up to 3 cm in length. Size Up 8 Gargantuan Trees on the Olympic Peninsula The Western Red Cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree that is part of the cypress family and is the most prevalent species of tree in its indigenous region, the Pacific Northwest. Rocky Mountain Juniper (juniperus scopulorum), 10. Common Tree Species - The Nature Conservancy 0000095038 00000 n Sitka spruce trees are massive evergreens named for a town in Alaska where they grow the thickest. If you want to learn more about the different types of fir trees and their identifying features you can read our post on those. The oldest Douglas fir trees in Washington are over 500 years old! 0000017051 00000 n They grow best in sandy, clay, or loamy soils. Naturally, its one of the most common trees in Seattle and Tacoma. This small to medium-sized evergreen conifer grows up to 15 meters in height and 0.5 meters in trunk diameter. 0000021097 00000 n The Western Juniper thrives in dry, rocky regions where they dont have to compete for resources with larger trees. Learning more about the trees that make up our wonderful state and beautiful forests is always a good idea, whether you're looking for ways to improve your landscaping or . However, some inland populations exist in western Montana and Northern Idaho. Fun Fact: Mature elms can provide important habitat for eagles, ospreys, barred owls, a host of breeding songbirds and mammals such as roosting bats and flying squirrels. These trees are recognized by the National Forestry Association as the largest living trees of their kind. Tree Identification | Washington Farm Forestry Association Named after its thin white bark, this short-lived deciduous tree reaches heights of 20 to 40 meters and a trunk diameter of 75 cm. 5 Trees Native to Washington State for Your Yard - Mr. Tree, Inc. Although prevalent along the coastal states of Washington, Oregon, and California, the Sitka Spruces distribution does not extend past 50 miles inland of the Pacific. The leaves of the Engelmann Spruce are needles, 1 long, stiff, blue/green in color, and arise spirally from the twigs in an upward direction. Riparian areas | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Mountain Hemlock 1.9 9. 0000010974 00000 n The white papery bark of the Paper Birch peels off to reveal the reddish/brown bark underneath creating a gorgeous two-tone contrast in the landscape. Thriving at high altitudes of 1800 to 2400 meters, the Alpine Larch is a very hardy tree that can survive in thin soils and at low temperatures. Join a Volunteer Advisory Committee to participate in the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office's grant programs that protect riparian areas. The Pacific Dogwood is a medium-sized deciduous species native to North America that grows to heights of 6 to 23 meters. 0000231501 00000 n The Douglas Fir has flat and soft needle-like leaves that can be used to identify the species due to their tendency to entirely encircle the trees branches. The climate is relatively dry to the East of the Cascades and includes arid desert and semiarid steppe regions. Can you identify these Washington state trees? The Sitka Spruces bark is thin and scaly and is comprised of circular plates. Growing to heights of between 30 and 50 meters, with trunk diameters well over 6 feet, these are particularly large trees. 133 90 The Alaska Yellow Cedar is an evergreen with needled foliage native to the Pacific coast from Alaska down to Northern California. To help you landscape your yard (and to identify these natural wonders), we've rounded up some of the most common native trees, shrubs and flowers you'll see in Spokane. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The western hemlock is the official tree of Washington State. The Paper Birch is native to large parts of North America and gets its name from its thin white bark. This tree can grow up to an enormous height of 100 meters and a trunk diameter of 5 meters. 0000259973 00000 n The trees intolerance of shade means Douglas-fir grows best in open sunlight. 0000036659 00000 n Please share your arboreal adventures with us by posting your photos on social media using #TreesPlease. 0000020840 00000 n They can grow up to 200 feet tall and have a trunk with a width of up to four feet. The tallest examples of this tree have attained heights reaching over 175 feet tall. Now that you know which trees to plant, lets address the best time to plant trees in Washington state. Itll grow in all soil types apart from clay. The Pacific Yew produces a scarlet red berry that is poisonous for humans, but chickens love to eat! Other Common Names: Shore Pine, Twisted Pine, Contorta Pine, Average Size at Maturity: 70-80 ft tall and 10-20 ft wide. All three of these species are found in the western part of the state. However, thats where we come in. They look great and are easy to care for. You can also spot these trees by their tiny cones. 8. Watch out, though: these attractive trees can entice critters to live in them. Glossy privet is Washingtons state medium-sized tree. The Black Cottonwood is a deciduous broadleaf tree species native to the western regions of North America. 0000012231 00000 n The Rocky Mountain juniper is a medium-sized evergreen that can grow up to 40 feet tall. Taking its name from Sitka in Southeast Alaska, where this tree is prevalent, the Sitka Spruce is a very large species of evergreen coniferous tree. 0000013901 00000 n Pacific NW Native Plants by Plant Community - OSU Extension Service Its a short-lived deciduous tree suited to cooler areas, as they dont tolerate heat and humidity well. Indigenous to the west coast of North America, the Mountain Hemlock is a species of Hemlock and is an evergreen coniferous tree. 15 Most Common Trees in Washington State - ProGardenTips As a part of the region known as the Pacific Northwest, Washington, along with Oregon and California, has a partly oceanic climate due to its border with the Pacific Ocean. 0000003914 00000 n Trees of Washington's Forests The forests of the Pacific Northwest contain more evergreens than almost anywhere in the United States. These trees can grow as tall as 300 feet and have trunks that exceed 12 in diameter. Before digging a hole to plant a tree, you must contact the city to mark any buried utility lines. Other Common Names: Subalpine Larch, Lyall Larch. The Pacific Madrone is drought tolerant once established. 0000002096 00000 n 0000028394 00000 n 0000007082 00000 n Most of these species are also common in eastern Washington. And we hope youll continue to learn more about the species that thrive in the wetlands, prairies, forests and other wild places The Nature Conservancy works hard to protect for people and nature. The Western Red Cedar grows easily in Washingtons wet climate. Pacific yew trees are extremely interesting. The lacey, oval leaves of the honey locust tree are small enough to let a little sunlight through, which creates a beautiful dappled shade in the yards and gardens where its planted. 0000008946 00000 n Another dead giveaway are the leaves, which resemble tulips when they emerge from their large, expanding pastel buds in the spring. What Is the Average Height of a Bathroom Countertop? Most of this region has plentiful rainfall and mild summers, excellent conditions for growing many types of fruit trees. There are cold lonely mountain peaks that are constantly snowy and areas that are always mild and rarely ever see snow. This website uses cookies to enhance your experience and analyze performance and traffic on our website. %%EOF 9 Types of Trees in Washington (With Pictures) | House Grail Greater Puget Sound Region: Tacoma & Outside Seattle. These pines can grow as tall as 200 feet and live as long as 500 years when they live in ideal conditions. Prevalent in large parts of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Sitka Spruce wont be found more the 50 miles inland from the Pacific. An american elm leaf set against the bark of its parent tree. Dont be too quick to plant your new tree alone. 260 inches, 218 feet). The Western White pine is known for it large, resinous cones that measure up to six inches in length. Bigleaf maple is a great friction fire wood. Young trees produce green cones whilst older trees cones are dark brown. An excellent photo identification guide. Copyright 2023 House Grail. Garden Guides | Types of Washington State Evergreen Trees For a large shade tree, choose the big-leaf maple. Black Cottonwood can be grown as solitary trees in parks and public areas. Get more science content and the nature news you want in your inbox with our Great Places Newsletter. xref Redbud is easy to identify in the spring, when the red buds of this small tree burst open into tiny purple blooms that line the branches for as long as two to three weeks. The needles appear in groups of 3 sometimes 2 or 5 and are olive or yellow/green. 0000253903 00000 n The Mountain Hemlock grows up to 20 to 40 meters in height and up to 2 meters in trunk diameter. Suffice to say, though, that Wash-ington is home to some record-breaking trees. The largest species of Alder tree in all of North America, the Red Alder gets its name from the rusty or bright red color of its bark when it is scraped or bruised. 0000185713 00000 n The thickest trunks have had diameters of 10 feet or wider, making the oldest Douglas firs truly massive. They can be seen and grown either as single or multi-trunked trees with a delicate tiered branching structure. The needles are soft, blue/green, and have a wonderful aroma. The needles are usually between 7 and 25mm in length. Other Common Names: Pacific Madrona, Arbutus, Madroo, Bearberry, Average Size at Maturity: 20-50 ft tall and wide. Of Washington State's 43 million acres of land, approximately 21 million acres are forested, according to a report published by the State Department of Natural Resources. 0000242955 00000 n It can grow up to 30 feet tall and feature two needles that are fused together at the base. Blue anemone can grow from about 6-12 inches tall and likes full shade to part shade. Despite the small seeds, these trees can easily live between 400 and 500 years in ideal conditions. The trees bark is thin, furrowed, and gray, while the crown is slender and conical in juvenile trees and more cylindrical in older ones. 0000020438 00000 n 0000111504 00000 n Western Hemlock is Washingtons state tree. This is a deciduous broadleaf tree that reaches heights of 20 to 30 meters. He learned how to propagate certain endangered endemic species and has a love of permaculture, sustainability and conscious living. The crown is broad on young trees, flattening on older trees as the lower branches are shed. The Vine Maple grows in fertile, well-drained soil. Our Recommendations For The Best Oak Trees To Plant In Washington State. 0000002495 00000 n Thats why many of the most common trees in Washington state are evergreen trees that thrive in the natural conditions around Puget Sound. . Lastly, the Cascara thrives along streamsides in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. A Midwest favorite, sugar maple is famous for its exceptional fall color. All rights reserved. However, alders do not live as long as other trees native to the wet coastal areas of the state. Importantly, the spread of this trees canopy and the height of its trunk tend to vary with the level of sunlight. White oak can grow to a height of 25-30 feet and width of 12-15 feet as a result of its growth process. Itll grow in averagely moist, acidic soils in full sun or partial shade. Youre probably more likely to associate Wisconsin with. The scaly, needle-like leaves of the Western Juniper grow in whorls of three and act as important food sources for many species of birds. They generally grow slowly, but some can grow to 100 feet tall and live up to 300 years. In the west, there are soggy coastal lowlands that run up to the mountains that run through the state from north to south. A widely-known variety of the pine family, Douglas Firs, is an evergreen conifer species indigenous to North America. Washingtons forests are home to about 25 native tree species. The cones measure 3-4 long. Washington state sits in the Pacific Northwest, which is an area with more evergreen trees than anywhere in the United States. The wood has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it useful for furniture and musical instruments, amongst other things. Native to the mountainous regions of the Pacific Northwest, the Ponderosa Pine is a very large and widely distributed species of coniferous pine. The second window is in the late summer or early fall. Cypress trees can grow quickly to create a hedge of spires. The Western White pine is known for it large, resinous cones that measure up to six inches in length. Terms of Use That delicious flavor comes from the green wood of the shagbark hickory. Talk to an Expert (206) 909-2170. Tree ecosystems and the best trees for the Pacific Northwest climate arent always common knowledge.
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