Tree Plaques In The Park
Key Identifying Characteristics
Tall, evergreen conifer with branches that are sweeping.
Height / Size
80-250 feet tall.
Leaves or Needles
Dark green needles are 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inches long, with flattened, flexible, rounded tip.
Bark / Trunk
Bark is grayish-brown and scaly. Mature bark is deeply furrowed.
Flower
Flowers are called strobili which mean small code. Male flowers are very small and brown located on branch tips. Female flowers are larger and reddish typically set higher in the tree.
Fruit / Seed / Cone
Male cones release pollen April to May. Seed cones are 2 inches to 3 1/2 inches long, light brown, with a short stalk, rounded scales, and long protruding 3-pointed bracts that resemble a mouse tail.
Habitat
Coastal woodlands and northern Sierra to elevations of 7000 feet.
Location / Range
Brooks Creek and Hazelnut trails.
Lifespan
500 years and occasionally more than 1,000 years.
Native / Non-native
Native to California.
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Used by indigenous peoples for lumber, harpoon shafts and other tools. Roots were used to weave baskets and leaves were used to make tea. Locally invasive in grasslands and oak woodlands.