Large Trees for Landscapes 30' and over This information will be useful when selecting a tree for the landscape where there is plenty of room for upward growth. All of these trees should perform well in the Southern California climate with moderate care. As a guideline, these larger trees will be more in proportion with a 2-story or larger structure. EVERGREEN Name Size Flower/ Non Flower Water Requirement Root Structure Comments Agonis flexuosa 30-35' x 15-30' Small white flowers from late spring to early summer Regular - little water Non invasive Tolerates various soil and growing conditions (Peppermint Tree) Fast once established wind, beach and lawns. Needs good drainage. Araucaria heterophylla 100' x 60' Large spiny cones. On mature trees the cones can reach Regular water Non invasive Tolerates strong winds, coastal conditions and cold. (Norfolk Island Pine) Moderate up to 10 pounds. Needs good drainage. Needs room to grow. Brachychiton populneus 50' x 40' Flowers are clusters of greenish-white with red inside. Little- moderate Non invasive Tolerates heat, drought and cold. Likes a well drained (Bottle Tree) Moderate Flowers from May- July followed by large canoe-shaped pods soil. Takes coastal conditions. Callistemon viminalis 20-40' x 20' Bright red flowers from May - July, continues Regular- moderate Non invasive Tolerates various soil, heat and cold conditions. (Weeping Bottle Brush) Fast throughout year followed by capsules Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Cedrus deodora 80' x 40' Female trees produce cones. Males produce catkins. Regular water Non invasive Pyramidal shape with graceful branches. Tolerates (Deodar Cedar) Slow cold, heat and drought. Needs good drainage. Ceratonia siliqua 30-40' x equal Small red flowers that are inconspicuous followed by huge Regular water Aggressive Tender to frost when younger becomes cold hardy. (Carob Tree) Moderate foot long seed pods. roots Drought tolerant. Cinnamomum camphora 50' + x 50'+ Small inconspicuous greenish-yellow blooms from May-June Little- moderate Aggressive Attractive foliage color in spring and aromatic leaves. (Camphor Tree) Slow- moderate followed by a black fruit. roots Leaf drop is heaviest in spring. Cupaniopsis anacardioides 30' x 30' Small white flowers followed by orange fruit on Regular- moderate Non invasive Tolerant of heat, cold winds, poor soil & salt spray. (Carrotwood) Slow- moderate female trees Ficus benjamina 25-30'x 15' May produce reddish-tan fruits that can attract birds. Regular water Aggressive Takes sun, part shade and shade. Cold hardy along (Weeping Fig) Fast roots coast. Great specimen tree in the right location. Ficus microcarpa 40' x 40' + Produces small fruits that may attract birds. Regular water Aggressive Cold hardy. Used as a shade tree. Does produce (Indian Laurel Fig) Fast roots aerial roots. Great specimen tree in the right location. Ficus rubigniosa 20-50' x 30'-50' Produces yellowish-green berries that turn reddish-purple. Regular water Aggressive Develops aerial roots. Prefers good drainage. (Rusty Leaf Fig) Fast roots Cold hardy. Great specimen tree in the right location. Geijera parviflora 40' x 25' Small clusters of cream colored flowers from spring to Regular water Non invasive Cold hardy - 20 degrees. Low maintenance. (Austrailian Willow) Moderate autumn. Looks similar to Podocarpus henkelii. Hymenosporum flavum 40' x 15-20' Flowers are clusters of cream colored blossoms, very Moderate water Non invasive Prefers well drained soil with deep water. Doesn't (Sweetshade) Slow- moderate fragrant. Blooms from spring - summer followed by fruit. like coastal wind. Takes some shade. Upright tree.
Laurus nobilis 40' x 30' Flowers are inconspicuous clusters appearing in Feb- March Moderate water Non invasive Tolerates various soils. Needs good drainage. (Sweet Bay) Slow followed by black-purple fruits. Drought tolerant once established. Magnolia grandiflora 60' x 40' Large showy white flowers are fragrant blooming in Regular water Aggressive Tolerant of heat and damp soil. Must have good (Southern Magnolia) Slow summer. Cone shaped fruits in fall. roots drainage. Flowers are very fragrant. Acid loving tree. Melaleuca quinquenervia 40' x 20' Showy yellow flowers appear from Aug-December. Followed Little water Non invasive Moderately drought tolerant. Tolerates wind, seacoast (Paperbark) Fast by woody capsules. and alkaline soils. Paper-like bark. Great multi tree. Pinus canariensis 60-80' Tiny beige flower cluster followed by oblong -cones. Little water Aggressive Tolerates drought and various soils. Does drop a lot (Canary Island Pine) Fast roots of needles making it own compost. Pinus elderica 30-80' x 15-20' 3'' oval to oblong reddish-brown pine cones. Regular water Aggressive Faster growing than halapensis. Takes heat, wind (Afghan Pine) Fast roots and various soils. Pinus halapensis 40-60' x 20-40' 3'' oval to oblong reddish-brown pine cones. Regular water Aggressive Tolerates poor soils and climate extremes. Also grows (Aleppo Pine) Moderate- fast roots well along coast. Pinus pinea 40-80' x 40-60' 4-6'' oval chestnut brown cones. Little water Aggressive Tolerates poor soil, drought and cold. Well adapted (Italian Stone Pine) Moderate roots to our environment. Pinus roxburghii 60-80' x 30-40' 4-7'' egg-shaped shiny brown cones. Regular water Aggressive Does well along coast as well as inland. Because of its (Chir Pine) Moderate roots weeping foliage has a graceful look. Pinus torreyana 40-60' x 30-50' 4-6'' round chocolate brown cones. Little water Aggressive Native to California's coastal areas including (Torrey Pine) Fast roots San Diego. Open growth along coast. Podocarpus gracilor 60' x 10-20' Flowers are insignificant. There are fruits on female trees. Regular water Non invasive Great street tree, in lawns, for shrubs. Pest free and (African Fern Pine) Moderate fairly clean. Quercus agrifolia 75' x equal Blooms in spring with tiny yellow clusters of flowers. Followed Regular deep Aggressive Cold hardy Takes drought. Best if watered by a (Coast Live Oak) Moderate- fast by acorns in fall. water roots dripline. Quercus ilex 40-50' In spring tiny cream-colored flowers are produced followed Regular deep Aggressive Tolerates alkaline soils, wind, salt air and drought (Holly Oak) Moderate- fast by acorns in fall. water roots conditions. Makes a great street or lawn tree. Quercus suber 60' x 40' Flowers appear in spring. Males form catkins, Females Regular deep Aggressive Tolerates most soils and acid conditions. Prefers well (Cork Oak) Moderate acorns. water roots drained soil. Drought resistant. Quercus virginiana 40' Male flowers insignificant. Females produce acorns. Moderate water Aggressive Takes coastal conditions. May go deciduous in cold (Southern Live Oak) Mod-fast roots climates. Likes deep rich, moist soil. Schinus molle 40' x Equal Blooms in spring. Clusters of tiny rose-pink flowers are Moderate water Non invasive Tolerates stream heat and cold. Drops large quantities (California Pepper Tree) Fast followed by rose-red fruits. Fruits attract birds. of leaves and fruits. Schinus terebinthifolius 30-40' x equal Clusters of cream colored flowers appear in spring.- fall Regular water Aggressive Tolerant of poor soil, heat and cold. Attractive shade (Brazilian Pepper Tree) Moderate followed by red-berries. Attractive to birds. roots tree. Sequoia sempervirens 50-60' x 25-30' Small 3/4'' cones Regular water Non invasive Does well in lawns. Cold hardy. Like humidity. Roots (Coast Redwood) Slow become very dense making it hard to plant under. Spathodea campanulata 30-40' x 30' Large clusters of orange or yellow flowers appear in late Regular- moderate Non invasive Likes well drained soil. Frost tender and does not like (African Tulip Tree) Moderate- fast summer- early fall. wind. May go deciduous in cold areas. Great for coast. Stenocarpus sinuatus 25' + x 15' Flowers are a brilliant orange umbellete inflorescence Regular- moderate Non invasive Tender when young. Prefers well drained acid soil. (Firewheel Tree) Slow resembling spokes on a wheel. Flowers early fall. Little leaf drop. Ulmus parvifolia 60' x 70' Tan clusters of inconspicuous flowers from summer to fall. Regular water Aggressive Tolerates a wide range of soil, cold and some windy (Chinese Elm) Fast roots area. Root become aggressive when tree matures. SEMI EVERGREEN
Name Size Flower/ Non Flower Water Requirement Root Structure Comments Calodendrum capense 20-40' x 40' Flowers are rose-lilac covering the entire crown. Blooms from Regular water Aggressive Needs to be mature to flower. Prefers well drained soil (Cape Chestnut) Slow May-July and repeat in summer-autumn. Seed capsules. roots Frost tender when young. Very showy when in flower. Jacaranda mimosifolia 40' x 40' + Tubular flowers of lavender -blue appear from spring to Moderate water Non invasive Does best in well drained soil. Drought tolerant when (Jacaranda) Moderate fall. Followed by seed capsules. established. Doesn't like acidic soils. Tipuana tipu 50' x 30-35' Small clusters of yellow flowers blooming from spring to Regular water Non invasive Takes most soil conditions. Great umbrella -shaped (Tipu Tree) Fast summer followed by seed pods. canopy. Great street or lawn tree. Tristania conferta 60' x 40' Creamy white fragrant flowers appear in summer followed Little- moderate Non invasive Tolerates most soils and coast conditions. Likes well (Brisbane) Moderate but woody seed capsules. drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. DECIDUOUS Name Size Flower/ Non Flower Water Requirement Root Structure Comments Albizia julibrissin 40' x equal Round clusters of watermelon-pink. Flowers in late summer. Ample water Non invasive Good for street sides and lawns. Does well with (Silk Tree, Mimosa) Fast Followed by brown fruit. summer heat. Great tropical looking tree and canopy. Alnus cordata 40' x 24' Greenish tassel-like flowers hang in spring followed by small Ample water Aggressive Great for along streams and in lawns. Tolerant of (Italian Alder) Fast cone-shaped fruit. roots heat, wind, cold and various soils. Alnus rhombifolia 50'+ Greenish tassel-like flowers hang in spring followed by small Ample water Aggressive Great for along streams and in lawns. Tolerant of (White Alder) Fast cone-shaped fruit. roots heat, wind, cold and various soils. Betula pendula 30-40' x 15-20' Small cone-like fruits. Ample water Non invasive Gracefully weeping tree with handsome bark. May be (White Birch) Fast And fertilizing short lived in our climate. Brachychiton acerifolius 40'+ x 30' Leaf drop partially-full when flowering. Flowers in spring are Little- moderate Non invasive Tolerates pollution and drought. Doesn't like excessive (Flame Tree) Fast red tubular bells. Followed by canoe shaped seed pods. moisture. Cold hardy. Great companioned w/ Jacaranda Catalpa bignoniodes 30-40' x equal Showy trumpet shaped flowers that are white. Blooms in Moderate- regular Non invasive Tolerates extreme heat, cold and soils. Compact (Catalpa) summer followed by long narrow seed pods. tree with an irregular shape. Celtis sinensis 30-50' x equal Inconspicuous flowers followed by orange-red to purple fruit. Moderate water Non invasive Great shade tree. An excellent substitute for Chinese (Chinese Hackberry) Fast Elm. Tough and adaptable. Chorisia speciosa 30-60' Blooms in fall. Flowers are hibiscus-like. Pink flowers appear Moderate water Non invasive Exotic looking when in bloom. Trunk studded with (Floss-Silk Tree) Slow in as early as mid summer to fall. thorns. Needs good drainage. Drought tolerant. Erythrina caffra 40' x 60' Blooms in winter to early spring. Flowers are clusters of Moderate water Aggressive Tropical-looking tree. Great specimen tree. Drought (South African Coral Tree) Fast red- orange. Flowers attracts birds. roots tolerant. Erythrina coralloides 25' x equal Spring flowers are large, red and cone-shaped. Moderate water Aggressive Most popular and cold hardy of Coral trees. Great (Naked Coral Tree) Fast Appearing from April-May. roots tropical-looking tree. Erythrina humeana 25' x 25' Flowers during the summer. Flowers are orange-red spikes. Moderate water Aggressive Great specimen tree for small garden. Tolerates a (Natal Coral Tree) Moderate Attracts birds. roots light frost and likes a rich soil. Fraxinus oxycarpa(angustifolia) 35' x 20' Sterile hybrid. Regular - mod. Non invasive Tolerant of various soils. Some fall leaf color. (Raywood Ash) Fast Leaves turn a wine-purple color. Fraxinus uhdei 40-60' Flowers are tiny blooming late summer into fall followed by Regular water Aggressive Tolerates drought and is cold hardy. Fast growing (Evergreen Ash) Fast seeds. roots tree. Ginkgo biloba 60' x 20-40' female trees fruit. Moderate- regular Non invasive Brilliant yellow in fall. Tolerates all soils, high wind, (Maidenhair Tree) Slow an drought. Cold hardy. Gleditsia tricanthus 30-40' x equal Greenish- yellow flowers are not showy but fragrant. Moderate- regular Aggressive Doses not like salinity in soil. Drought tolerant once
(Thornless Honey Locust) Fast Followed by a seed pod roots established. Grevillea robusta 50-60' Flowers in spring. Flowers are a golden-orange cluster of Regular water Non invasive Tolerates heat, drought and cold. Takes any soil (Silk Oak) Fast stamens. condition. Koelreuteria bipinnata 40' x equal Flowers are small and yellow blooming in summer. Fruits Moderate- regular Non invasive Prefers well drained soil. Provides a long season of (Chinese Flame Tree) Moderate are papery lantern-like capsule- orange, red or salmon. flowers and fruit. June -December. Liquidambar styraciflua 60' Male flowers are catkins. Female flowers turn into a greenish Moderate- regular Aggressive Great fall colors. Prefers well drained soil and full sun. (American Sweet Gum) Moderate- fast ball-like cluster. roots Surface roots may cause problems. Melia azedarch 25-50' x equal Summer flowers are fragrant and a pale lilac color. Followed Moderate water Non invasive Tolerates extreme heat, drought, poor soil and cold. (China Berry) Fast by berry-like fruits. Attracts birds. Morus alba 50' x 50' + Female trees fruit. Males produce pollen. Fruits attract birds. Regular water Non invasive Very adaptable tree. Tolerates various soils, heat and (Fruitless Mulberry) Fast wind. Heavy pollen producers Mar-April. Pistacia chinensis 40' x equal Flowers are insignificant. Fruits on females are red. Little- moderate Non invasive Tolerates most soils, water and wind conditions. (Chinese Pistache) Slow- moderate Spectacular Fall color of red, orange and yellow leaves. Drought tolerant once established. Bright fall color. Platanus x acerifolia 60' x30-40' Inconspicuous spring flowers, followed by a round seed ball. Moderate- regular Aggressive Drought tolerant. Tolerates most soils. Fall color is (London Plane Tree) Moderate- fast roots yellow to brown. Platanus racemosa 30-80' x 20-50' Inconspicuous flowers in spring are followed by round Regular water Aggressive Great tree along streams. A substantial tree in the (California Sycamore) Fast seed clusters in fall. roots landscape. Populus femontii 40-60' x 30' Females produce large amounts of white cotton along with Regular water Aggressive Leaves turn a bright yellow in fall. Cold hardy. (Western Cottonwood) Fast it's seeds. roots Adapts well to most soils and climates. Populus nigra 'Italica' 40-100' x 15-30' Produces no seeds. Moderate water Aggressive Leaves turn a golden yellow in fall. Needs room (Lombardy Poplar) Fast roots to grow, not for small gardens. Pyrus calleryana 30-40' Clusters of white flowers appear in late winter early spring. Moderate water Non invasive Leaves turn from a bright purplish-red to scarlet-red (Flowering Pear) in fall. Tolerates a wide varieties of soil. Cold hardy. Robinia x a. 'Purple Robe' 30+ x 15' Purple pink flowers from early spring to midsummer Little- moderate Aggressive Takes hot climates, poor soils and is drought tolerant. (Locust) Moderate- fast followed by seed pods roots Can sucker. Salix babylonica 30-50' x equal Regular water Non invasive Leaves turn yellow before dropping. Great for along (Weeping Willow) Fast streams. Cold hardy Sapium sebiferum 35-40' x 25-35' Small yellow flower spikes in spring followed by clusters of Moderate- regular Non invasive Likes acidic soil, but will tolerate other soils. Likes ample (Chinese Tallow Tree) Fast white fruits. water. Attractive tree for lawns and streets. Sophora japonica 40' x 40' + Pale cream pea- like flowers. Tree must be 5 years old to Moderate water Non invasive Tolerates most soils and water conditions. (Japanese Pagoda Tree) Slow- moderate bloom. Yellow fall color. Great for lawns. Tipuana tipu 40-50' x equal Flower clusters are yellow. Blooms in spring to summer. Regular water Non invasive Tolerates any soil and growing conditions. Great (Tipu Tree) Fast Followed by seed pods. canopy and lawn tree. Cold hardy. EVERGREEN SHRUB/TREES Name Size Flower/ Non Flower Water Requirement Root Structure Comments Syzygium paniculata 30-50 x 10-20' Blooms in summer. Clusters of small white flowers followed by Regular water Non invasive Takes well drained soil. Cold hardy. Great dense (Austrailian Bush Cherry) Fast rose colored berries. Attracts birds. shrub.
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