Tree Plaques In The Park
Key Identifying Characteristics
Evergreen tree where the shape is rounded, wide spreading, and shaped by the wind.
Height / Size
70-90 feet tall.
Leaves or Needles
Needles are scale-like and bright to dark green.
Bark / Trunk
Reddish to grey, fibrous with furrows.
Flower
Pollen cones appear as small yellow balls. Conifers do not have flowers.
Fruit / Seed / Cone
Cones are round, closed, and appear in clusters, sometimes solitary. Cones release seeds on very hot days and in fires.
Habitat
California coast and occurs naturally in foggy wind swept slopes.
Location / Range
Walnut Grove Picnic Area.
Lifespan
Up to 300 years.
Native / Non-native
Native to California.
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Monterey cypress trees are not native to the park , but were planted by ranchers in the mid to late 1800s.
Sources:
PlantID.net for San Pedro Valley CP (NRDB.org)
VanderWerf, Barbara. 1994. Montara Mountain. Gum Tree Lane Books, El Granada, CA