The Western Red Cedar is a popular ornamental tree and is commonly used for hedging as well in suitable areas. Their fruits have a raisin-like taste and are relished by birds. 0000047375 00000 n Douglas Fir The Doug fir can be easy to confuse with other Christmas trees like Western hemlock and Sitka spruce. This is a list of U.S. state, federal district, and territory trees, including official trees of the following of the states, of the federal district, and of the territories . Moreover, the tree grows very slowly and tends to become hollowed out over time. Its heart-shaped leaves will turn a golden yellow in the fall. Paper birches love moist cool soil with an eastern or northern aspect, where the roots are protected from the harsh sun. Average Size at Maturity: 30-40 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. Please share your arboreal adventures with us by posting your photos on social media using #TreesPlease. The Pacific Dogwood can be found at elevations between 3000-6000 ft along moist streams and riverbanks in either full sun or shade. Evergreens thrive in Washingtons moist climate and provide much-needed shade and shelter from the cold, wet winters. The lower branches tend to hang towards the ground. The branches grow horizontally, are pendulous, spaced irregularly, and persist on the tree for some time after they die. The western hemlock also produces distinct cones that grow in vertical pairs and can measure up to five inches long. These trees thrive in the wet climates along Washingtons coast and cluster in deep old growth forests. The leaves are sharp and needle-like, whilst the branches droop slightly. In the west, there are soggy coastal lowlands that run up to the mountains that run through the state from north to south. 0000074455 00000 n 0000256938 00000 n It is a tree that prefers rich, moist sites in mixed conditions and will dominate in a mature forest. Protecting and enhancing the values of sustainable working forests. To manage or opt-out of receiving cookies, please visit our. In the wild, Douglas firs can grow to enormous heights and live to be incredibly old. Western junipers are trees found throughout the western United States and are primarily located in southeastern Washington. This is perhaps the most common tree in our area. 0000021097 00000 n Ponderosa Pine 1.2 2. A widely-known variety of the pine family, Douglas Firs, is an evergreen conifer species indigenous to North America. There are several species of oak trees that grow in the state of Washington. 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. The bark is rough and yellowish-grey, flaking away in small plates with age. The trees intolerance of shade means Douglas-fir grows best in open sunlight. Our Recommendations For The Best Cypress Trees To Plant In Washington State. The Grand Fir is a fast-growing tree capable of reaching great heights in the wild. 0000157777 00000 n For the Eastern gray and Eastern fox . Please enter a valid email address (formatted as name@company.com). 0000002096 00000 n The cones vary in size and shape and can be short and cylindrical or egg shaped but the scales are always sharp. Washington has moderate summers, but it also has long, wet falls that extend into cool winters. Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org, Carl Dennis, Auburn University, Bugwood.org. Much of this region supports dense temperate rainforest of conifer species. Sitka spruce trees are massive evergreens named for a town in Alaska where they grow the thickest. 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. HW5WR^ bI$~sP>|.G1Po1!}|6B/o/_n_^^ The second window is in the late summer or early fall. Douglas firs are extremely common in western parts of the state and can be grown as a lawn ornament. The needles are sharp, bluish/green, and hard to the touch. However, some beeches can drop lots of fruit, creating messes, attracting animals, and sprouting new beech trees. 260 inches, 218 feet). Thats why it does so well in land cleared by harvesting, wildfire, or even volcanic eruption.. Other Common Names: Western Balsam Poplar, Average Size at Maturity: 30-100 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. Most of these species are also common in eastern Washington. Large populations of Pacific Dogwood exist in Oregon, Washington, and California. Our Recommendations For The Best Fir Trees To Plant In Washington State. . The bark is orange/grey/brown, thin, and scaly. The reddish/brown bark of the Pacific Madrone is thin and peels to reveal a cinnamon-hued inner layer. The Mountain Hemlock is native to the west coast of North America and is a coniferous evergreen. It has broad leaves that are around six inches long and produces fragrant yellow flowers in the springtime. Washington state has a variety of different climates that foster a unique group of native trees. Avoid power lines. H\W$9;A=86q$5&RO. On the semiarid parts of the Columbia basin, grasses prevail, merging into sagebrush and other scattered shrubs in the driest areas. The loquat produces a sweet, orange fruit that is popular in Asia. Surnames are common too; parts of the list look like a . 24 They can grow up to 200 feet tall and have a trunk with a width of up to four feet. Olympic National Park, with its abundant rainfall, is home to the country's largest subalpine fir (circumference 252 inches, height 130 ft.), Alaska yel-low-cedar (circ. 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. This small to medium-sized evergreen conifer grows up to 15 meters in height and 0.5 meters in trunk diameter. Golden Chinquapin can grow up to 40 feet tall and feature smooth, green bark that is divided into plates. Washingtons forested area mostly lies west of the mountainous areas known as the Cascade Range, which bisects the state of Washington into Eastern and Western Washington. Copyright 2023 House Grail. The simple oval leaves of the tree also have fine hairs and conceal rather inconspicuous flowers. This versatile tree can even grow in the shade of other larger trees, where they will be stunted but still healthy. 0000018163 00000 n It provides food and habitat for a host of birds and small mammals, including jays and chickadees, amongst others. Western junipers are typically found on low slopes and in shallow valleys, often in the presence of mountain sage grass. Western red cedars are remarkable trees. 0000065219 00000 n They have a pleasant appearance and can be kept at very manageable sizes. They are some of the oldest trees found anywhere in North America. They provide some privacy and exist in several colors. This article may contain affiliate links. So, we put together a list of recommendations for the best trees to plant in Seattle and Tacoma. 0000020840 00000 n Fall colors are orange, red, and yellow. With hard and gray bark and roughly conical crown, the lowest branches of the Black Cottonwood tend to droop downwards. 0000018487 00000 n Some maple trees grow well in Washington State. He learned how to propagate certain endangered endemic species and has a love of permaculture, sustainability and conscious living. If you spend enough time in Washington and keep your eyes peeled, you will be able to spot each and every one of these species. What Is the Average Height of a Bathroom Countertop? The Sitka Spruces bark is thin and scaly and is comprised of circular plates. Close-up view of top and underside of swamp white oak leaves. Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), 12. Some of the most common types include: Deodar cedars are tall, conical shaped evergreens that grow up to 50 feet in height. Did you know Ponderosa Pine seeds are an extremely valuable food source for birds and squirrels? ? It produces shiny black berries that are poisonous to humans, but birds love them! The Evergreen State is home to many different types of evergreen trees. They grow fast and look gorgeous in spring, summer, and fall. Beech trees can reach up to 100 feet tall and grow beautiful multi-colored foliage. House Grail is reader-supported. 0000087652 00000 n 0000007082 00000 n It is native to forest areas of Washington and the western United States. If you want to know more about the different types of dogwood trees and how to identify them, we wrote a great article with pictures included, that is well worth reading. An american elm leaf set against the bark of its parent tree. This highly adaptive species of pine is distinguished by its yellow to orange-red bark color. 0000011882 00000 n The foliage is grey/green or blue/green on flattened sprays. Fun Fact: The pea-sized berries of the common hackberry are edible, ripening in early September, and their leaves are a primary food source for the larvae of several butterflies, including question marks and mourning cloaks. Watch for redbuds rounded crown appearing in yards and gardens, as it grows no more than 30 feet, making it a wonderful native species to add to your backyard. Mountain hemlocks, unsurprisingly, grow on the sides of tall mountains. | Now that you know which trees to plant, lets address the best time to plant trees in Washington state. 0000208812 00000 n Be aware that maple trees have shallow roots, which can potentially damage sidewalks as the tree matures. The Western Juniper grows in the mountains at altitudes between 800-3000 m. According to the USDA, it grows at all stages of secession (agroforestry) and can be found on low slopes and valleys in many areas. Waxy evergreen foliage is typical of the Pacific Madrone, as are their long, broad leaves, which are arranged spirally. However, some inland populations exist in western Montana and Northern Idaho. This website uses cookies to enhance your experience and analyze performance and traffic on our website. The tallest examples of this tree have attained heights reaching over 175 feet tall. The Vine Maple grows in fertile, well-drained soil. If you plan to grow your tree near the street, you may need to apply for a permit from the Department of Transportation first. Before digging a hole to plant a tree, you must contact the city to mark any buried utility lines. How Do I Sue My Landlord for Emotional Distress Due to Poor Living Conditions? 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. If you want to grow your own in your yard, plant in moist, well-drained sun, in either full sun or partial shade. Major tree species are Douglas fir, hemlock, western red cedar, and ponderosa pine, found mainly in the mountain regions. 0000092687 00000 n Prevalent in large parts of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Sitka Spruce wont be found more the 50 miles inland from the Pacific. Snow gum is Washingtons state large tree. Alders do not have needles. The Alaska Yellow Cedar is an evergreen with needled foliage native to the Pacific coast from Alaska down to Northern California. Pacific Dogwoods are variable trees, taking on different forms depending on their location. 0000005539 00000 n Western junipers reach maturity around 100 years old and produce small cone-like seeds. endstream endobj 140 0 obj<>stream They generally grow slowly, but some can grow to 100 feet tall and live up to 300 years. Western hemlocks tree can grow up to 200 feet and feature dark green, flattened needles with a silvery underside. Did you know Western Red Cedar chips are used to make medical masks and gowns? 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. This type of Juniper tree thrives in rocky, dry areas where competition from other trees is minimal. ( Indeed, it is hard to imagine what our world would look like without the great forests of our preserves and parks or even the small woodlot or single tree we find in our own backyards. Occasionally, however, the Vine Maple will form a small to medium-sized tree up to 18 meters in height. 0000164580 00000 n It is a large tree, commonly growing to more than 75 feet, with a rounded crown. The red cedar also produces small cones that are around 1/4 inch in diameter. We also offer residential tree services to help you maintain your trees as they mature. Other Common Names: Alaska Pine, and Western Hemlock-Spruce, Average Size at Maturity: 100-150 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. 0000002495 00000 n Fun Fact: Love hickory-smoked meat or fish? They also produce pine cones that can be up to four inches long, with large bract scales that look like petals. The Paper Birch is native to large parts of North America and gets its name from its thin white bark. As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden. 0 Average Size at Maturity: 15-30 ft tall and 1.5-5 ft wide. 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 . An excellent photo identification guide. According to the American Conifer Society, the Alpine Larch is adapted to growing on poor soils on exposed northern slopes up to the tree line. It produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that produce distinctive orange seeds. While Paper Birch trees can grow for 100 years in cold climates, they do not handle heat and humidity well, making their average lifespan closer to 30 years. The Sitka Spruce is a large coniferous evergreen whose common name comes from Sitka in southeast Alaska. Thats why many of the most common trees in Washington state are evergreen trees that thrive in the natural conditions around Puget Sound. Trees of Idaho is a 24 page booklet that describes the native species of Idaho. The cones are elongated, and egg-shaped, with 5-6 pairs of flexible scales. 0000017051 00000 n 133 90 They look great and are easy to care for. The leaves are dark green, elongated to ovoid with a greenish/grey, silver/white underside. Older trees can develop lovely drooping pendulous branches. The Kwanzan Cherry is the most prolific bloomer of all the flowering cherry trees. trailer Young ponderosa pines have dark, almost black bark, which lightens into a brownish color as they age. They are characteristically broad and narrow, flat and thin. The leaves are oval with fine hairs, and the fruit are orange and red as are the fall colors. 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. The prime time for planting apple trees in Washington state, or other fruit trees for that matter, is within two different windows on the calendar. Native Madrone can grow up to 45 feet high and feature smooth, green bark that is divided into plates. Its whiteish flowers are typically in bloom by mid-June and fill the summer air with a pleasant fragrance. Trees Ponderosa Pine Douglas-Fir Western Larch Black Cottonwood Ponderosa Pine Spokane's official tree reigns as the predominant pine in our forests. The Pacific Dogwoods branches have very fine hairs, while the bark is relatively smooth. Giffec is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, it's a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. However, some inland populations exist in western Montana and Northern Idaho. | 4. 0000085625 00000 n Did you know the most well-known natural-source cancer drug in the United States, Taxol, is derived from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree? Join a Volunteer Advisory Committee to participate in the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office's grant programs that protect riparian areas. The propensity to rot has made it difficult for arborists to gauge accurate ages for these trees as the age rings rot away. Grows best in deep, moist, well-drained soils. Pacific yews are used to create professional archery bows as well as canoes. 0000069321 00000 n The Red Alder is used for furniture as well as the production of paper. Plaza under a canopy of honey locust trees. The bark is thin, yellowish/grey, and smooth when young and becomes flaky and reddish brown/purple when mature. The bark has a brownish, red/cinnamon color, and is fissured and scaly with a fibrous inner bark. Much like the fir trees, these can get big. 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. Small orange/red fruit follow, ripening in the fall and persist into the winter, proving a food source for local birds. The fall rains help the new tree establish its root system before winter. Coniferous or evergreen trees are among the most common trees in Washington state. 2278 Western Hemlock grows well in the sun or shade. The cones measure 3-4 long. The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is the most widespread of all conifers in the area, common on both sides of the mountains, in dry conditions as well as wet. The tree grows best on moist and cool slopes, and hence the Red Alder is prevalent along the watercourses and wetlands of the Pacific Northwest. A number of species are common throughout the moist to dry range with a few species found at one end of the . The most common are the coastal red oak, the Garry oak, and the black oak. It can grow up to 100 feet high and feature bluish green, flexible needles that are around three inches long. They produce a distinct odour and feature bluish-green needle shaped leaves that grow up to one inch long. 0000020107 00000 n We can handle all your permits for you. 0000187740 00000 n The best trees to plant in Washington state will be trees that can endure and grow in the climate of the Pacific Northwest. 0000000016 00000 n 0000146607 00000 n 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. Honey locust leaves sprout from a seedling. Cypress trees can grow quickly to create a hedge of spires. Another dead giveaway are the leaves, which resemble tulips when they emerge from their large, expanding pastel buds in the spring. The leaves are tough, sharp, and needle-like and can grow up to 3 cm in length. All rights reserved. Title VI Notice of Nondiscrimination