California Nutmeg
(Torreya californica)
California Nutmeg (Torreya californica)
/
/
joergmlpts
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
joergmlpts
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: joergmlpts | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: joergmlpts | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-16T11:00:24-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Torreya californica, commonly known as California nutmeg, is an evergreen tree native to the understory of coniferous forests in California, particularly in the Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada. It thrives in moist, shaded areas with well-drained soils. This species typically grows to a height of 15–25 meters with a trunk diameter of 0.5–1 meter, occasionally reaching up to 2 meters. The conical crown and whorled branches give it a distinctive, pyramidal form. The tree’s foliage resembles that of true nutmeg, but it is not related and does not produce the same edible seeds. California nutmeg is notable for its aromatic, sharp-pointed leaves and its seed cones that bear a single large, nut-like seed encased in a fleshy covering.
California nutmeg is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its dense, dark green foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it suitable for planting as a specimen tree in gardens and in groves for larger native plant and traditional landscape projects. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements once established. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and requires medium amounts of water, adapting to a range of soil drainage conditions. While it is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. Due to its slow growth rate, it is not often used in situations where rapid coverage or growth is desired.CC BY-SA 4.0
California nutmeg is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its dense, dark green foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it suitable for planting as a specimen tree in gardens and in groves for larger native plant and traditional landscape projects. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements once established. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade and requires medium amounts of water, adapting to a range of soil drainage conditions. While it is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. Due to its slow growth rate, it is not often used in situations where rapid coverage or growth is desired.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 50-80 feet
- Width: 15-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant
Natural Habitat
Understory of coniferous forests in California, particularly in the Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada
Other Names
Common Names: California Torreya, California-Nutmeg, Torreya
Scientific Names: , Torreya californica, Torreya myristica, Tumion californicum, Caryotaxus myristica, Foetataxus myristica, Tumion californicum var. littoralis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Torreya californica Torr.