most common trees in washington statemost common trees in washington state

Scroll through the list below to meet the mighty species that clean our air, protect our water and provide habitat for the wildlife all around us! The Noble Fir is a long-lived species that will only start producing seeds after around 50 years. 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. Hardwoods or broadleaves are categorized as angiosperms and habitually lose their leaves annually. The reddish/brown bark of the Pacific Madrone is thin and peels to reveal a cinnamon-hued inner layer. 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. Also known as canoe birch and American White Birch, the Paper Birch is a birch species that is indigenous to North America. You can also spot these trees by their tiny cones. | The branches grow horizontally and the crown has a conical shape, becoming rounded with age. The Alaska Yellow Cedar is an evergreen with needled foliage native to the Pacific coast from Alaska down to Northern California. So, we put together a list of recommendations for the best trees to plant in Seattle and Tacoma. The Western White pine is known for it large, resinous cones that measure up to six inches in length. Northern bobwhite and chickadees also like to snack on their seeds! Mature Pacific Yews have a shaggy, scaly bark. The cones of the western hemlock are less than one inch in size. The loquat is a small, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The Red Alder is used for furniture as well as the production of paper. The Douglas Fir is hardy and can grow in a variety of soils. 0000008516 00000 n Can you identify these Washington state trees? 5 Types of Maple Trees in Washington State - ProGardenTips Female trees produce a bright red gelatinous berry-like aril (fruit) which is said to be poisonous in large quantities. On the semiarid parts of the Columbia basin, grasses prevail, merging into sagebrush and other scattered shrubs in the driest areas. The cones are long, slender, and cylindrical. Although prevalent along the coastal states of Washington, Oregon, and California, the Sitka Spruces distribution does not extend past 50 miles inland of the Pacific. Fun Fact: Love hickory-smoked meat or fish? There are several species of oak trees that grow in the state of Washington. The Black Cottonwood is a tall deciduous broadleaf tree with a conical crown. 0000027634 00000 n 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. Indigenous to the western coastal areas of North America, the Pacific Madrone is a broadleaf evergreen tree distributed across California to British Columbia. It produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that produce distinctive orange seeds. Its a fast-growing species that can be found in lowlands and coastal areas of WA. They also produce pine cones that can be up to four inches long, with large bract scales that look like petals. For the Eastern gray and Eastern fox . Thats why its often a go to tree for urban planners to help with erosion and other environmental challenges. Major tree species are Douglas fir, hemlock, western red cedar, and ponderosa pine, found mainly in the mountain regions. 0000015073 00000 n Size Up 8 Gargantuan Trees on the Olympic Peninsula The Western Red Cedar features a pyramidal form and a buttressed base when mature. 0000111504 00000 n These trees thrive in the wet climates along Washingtons coast and cluster in deep old growth forests. The oldest trees are found in large wet forests in the lowlands near Washingtons coast. The majority of them are western hemlock. Ponderosa pines like to grow in eastern Washington and thrive in dry soil far from the soggy uplands near the coast. The Mountain Hemlock is native to the west coast of North America and is a coniferous evergreen. The lacey, oval leaves of the honey locust tree are small enough to let a little sunlight through, which creates a beautiful dappled shade in the yards and gardens where its planted. 0000002096 00000 n . |. Thomas worked for a number of years as the head of plant propagation for a horticultural contractor taking care of many different species of ornamental trees & shrubs. They can be seen and grown either as single or multi-trunked trees with a delicate tiered branching structure. Mountain Lake and forest in the wilderness of Washington State, 9. Sitka spruce is extremely common in the wet coastal areas of the Pacific, stretching from Washington up through British Columbia and into Alaska. The Pacific Yew produces a scarlet red berry that is poisonous for humans, but chickens love to eat! Charitable Solicitation Disclosures Boxleaf azara is Washingtons state small tree. Privacy Statement 0000201656 00000 n 0000178830 00000 n Other Common Names: Shore Pine, Twisted Pine, Contorta Pine, Average Size at Maturity: 70-80 ft tall and 10-20 ft wide. Growing prevalently in the mountainous altitudes of the Pacific Northwest, the Western Juniper is a shrub that can be found at elevations of 800 to 3,300 meters. Native Trees of Western Washington: A Photographic Guide, by Kevin Zobrist. ? Talk to an Expert (206) 909-2170. It has a low shade tolerance as well as fire tolerance because of its thin bark. Its highly adaptable and will tolerate alkaline soils, as well as high elevation, wind, humidity, and dry conditions. Redbud is easy to identify in the spring, when the red buds of this small tree burst open into tiny purple blooms that line the branches for as long as two to three weeks. The Paper Birch is native to large parts of North America and gets its name from its thin white bark. Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 ft tall and 15-20 ft wide. This allows you to see the growth of your tree in real time. The Pacific Yew is found in moist old forests as an understory tree beneath larger trees such as Western Hemlocks or Douglas Firs, according to Native Plants PNW. The Sitka Spruces bark is thin and scaly and is comprised of circular plates. An american elm leaf set against the bark of its parent tree. To manage or opt-out of receiving cookies, please visit our. Can you identify the scientific name of these trees? The Pacific yew is Washingtons state flower. Red columbine (Aquilegia formosa) Red columbine is a bright, showy plant that makes a big, bold statement in your garden or landscape but is actually fairly easy to care for. 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. The cones are elongated, and egg-shaped, with 5-6 pairs of flexible scales. This diverse environment has produced trees that can grow 300 feet tall and live over a thousand years and arid trees that look more like shrubs than they do their cousins. Evergreen trees are special because they do not lose their needles during the fall. 0000023748 00000 n Western Hemlock is the state tree of Washington. Its the largest of the hemlocks, so if youre considering planting one, make sure your yard has enough room to accommodate it. Fun Fact: White pines are the only five-needle pines found east of the Rocky Mountains and get their common name from the number of needles in each pine: W-H-I-T-E! It can grow up to 100 feet high and feature bluish green, flexible needles that are around three inches long. Evergreen trees are special because they do not lose their needles during the fall. The fall rains help the new tree establish its root system before winter. Most of the forested area in the state lies west of the Cascades Range, which supports dense temperate rainforests filled with conifers. 0 Basswood is common in deciduous forests throughout the Midwest and makes for a popular yard and boulevard tree because of the benefits it provides for both people and urban wildlife! On the other side, North Dakota comes in at the lowest at 3%. The needles are soft, blue/green, and have a wonderful aroma. Copyright, Washington Forest Protection Association. It is bug resistant, rot resistant, and can last for decades outside without any sort of paint or treatment. 0000155750 00000 n 0000212401 00000 n 0000018487 00000 n 0000020840 00000 n The bark is thin, yellowish/grey, and smooth when young and becomes flaky and reddish brown/purple when mature. 0000017896 00000 n Bigleaf maple is a great friction fire wood. Fun Fact:Swamp white oaks take their scientific or Latin name, Quercus bicolor, from their two-toned leaves, which are a shiny dark green above with a lighter green to whitish surface below that flashes in the wind. The white papery bark of the Paper Birch peels off to reveal the reddish/brown bark underneath creating a gorgeous two-tone contrast in the landscape. <<6CF62D1802E7784887E4170F923F0F93>]>> We wrote a great article on the different types of pine trees and how to identify them which I recommend reading. The tree's intolerance of shade means Douglas-fir grows best in open sunlight. 6 Common Spruce Tree Ranges in North America - Treehugger Large populations of Western Juniper can be found in Idaho, Oregon, California, and Washington. The forests of the Pacific Northwest contain more evergreens than almost anywhere in the United States. The needles appear in groups of 3 sometimes 2 or 5 and are olive or yellow/green. We hope this list will help you branch out and enjoy the trees all around you. Douglas Fir 1.3 3. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and feature dark green leaves that are around three inches long. with Washingtons long, wet falls, planting in late summer can help create stronger trees. Emerging Basswood leaves in early spring. The Pacific Yew can be identified by its thin and scaly brown bark and its flat, dark-green, lanceolate leaves. Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), 12. 0000002596 00000 n The Douglas Fir normally reaches its maximum height in populations that are closer to the coastal areas. As in other states, this partly oceanic climate favors the growth of forests, which are prevalent across about half of the states land area. Most of these species are also common in eastern Washington. 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. Our Recommendations For The Best Beech Trees To Plant In Washington State. The Red Alder has long, ovate leaves that have bluntly serrated edges and a pointy end. 0000031205 00000 n Moreover, the tree grows very slowly and tends to become hollowed out over time. Plant your tree at least several feet away from the marked lines. Beech trees can reach up to 100 feet tall and grow beautiful multi-colored foliage. The leaves are bright green above and waxy underneath, small in size. Paper birches love moist cool soil with an eastern or northern aspect, where the roots are protected from the harsh sun. 0000087652 00000 n 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. Knowing which state has the most trees can help you identify the areas in the . 0000009402 00000 n This tree is prevalent in coastal cliffs, where it tends to contort its growth habitat. The Western White Pine is a very common Washington evergreen tree. Pacific Arboriculture can help you with all of your tree care needs, from identifying and removing existing trees on your property to planting and caring for new ones. This type of Juniper tree thrives in rocky, dry areas where competition from other trees is minimal. 0000092687 00000 n The largest conifer of the upper Midwest forests, white pines can grow as tall as 100 feet and up to more than three feet in diameter. Small orange/red fruit follow, ripening in the fall and persist into the winter, proving a food source for local birds. 0000259973 00000 n The Glossy privet is a popular ornamental tree because of its glossy leaves. The Western Red Cedar is a popular ornamental tree and is commonly used for hedging as well in suitable areas. The Western White pine is known for it large, resinous cones that measure up to six inches in length. Other Common Names: Alaska Pine, and Western Hemlock-Spruce, Average Size at Maturity: 100-150 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. 0000012231 00000 n Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. It is commonly used as a street tree because of its ability to withstand drought and urban environments, and it is among the best trees for wildlife. Other Common Names: Canadian Dogwood, and Mountain Dogwood, Average Size at Maturity: 15-40 ft tall and 10-25 ft wide, Flowering Season: Spring and occasionally fall. Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), 17. The Ponderosa Pine tends to grow to a height of 50 to 70 meters and has long, flexible, needle-like, and bright-green leaves. Protecting and enhancing the values of sustainable working forests. Washington - Plant and animal life | Britannica The loquat produces a sweet, orange fruit that is popular in Asia. It is a large tree, commonly growing to more than 75 feet, with a rounded crown. Did you know Douglas-fir was names after David Douglas, a Scottish botanist? They are also beautiful shade trees in summer, and their leaves sport a lovely gold or orange hue in the fall. Get a quote today! 0000187740 00000 n They are some of the oldest trees found anywhere in North America. The bark is thin, dark, and furrowed and younger trees have a narrow and conical crown, whilst older trees develop a more cylindrical shape. The evergreen dogwood can grow up to 25 feet tall and feature light green leaves that are around two inches long. It grows so well in all of our forest regions, and because its wood is prized worldwide for its strength and durability, Douglas-fir is often the tree of choice for many Washington forest landowners. This large shrub at 4.5 meters in height has a silver brown bark and simple, deciduous leaves. In different environments, however, the leaves of the Ponderosa Pine tend to take on distinct characteristics. They only grow to be 50 feet at maximum and rarely reach 60 feet. Lastly, the Cascara thrives along streamsides in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. a > *Y$]JD'(vXCFx3WU{CzFq6XldM&CJhB tEl Emerging shagbark hickory leaves in spring. Washington's forests are among the most extensive in the United States; about half the state's land area is forested. It features a spreading growth habit and luscious dark leaves up to 6 long. HW5WR^ bI$~sP>|.G1Po1!}|6B/o/_n_^^ Other Common Names: Pacific Madrona, Arbutus, Madroo, Bearberry, Average Size at Maturity: 20-50 ft tall and wide. 0000074455 00000 n 0000218258 00000 n Western hemlock can grow to great sizes, including heights of over 200 feet and trunks thicker than 4 feet. Surnames are common too; parts of the list look like a . 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. 0000224328 00000 n The Douglas Fir has flat and soft needle-like leaves that can be used to identify the species due to their tendency to entirely encircle the trees branches. Western Red Cedar 1.4 4. Young trees need lots of water. Learn more about how trees and wood products mitigate climate change. The Quinault Rain Forest and Lake Quinault are home to 6 of our 8 giant trees which makes for an easy day trip from Port Angeles, Washington. Douglas Fir (pseudotsuga menziesii) Tom Brandt Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Western red cedar trees have tiny needles and very small cones. ,^hpWUUDFEkn}#21 d#x#m[9)OAt 8\h _$;hh:jiXJ9%~ M)!I j"+T[./E_J:%kwW:E(&n+""Yt.t =WI=S*hZ]HL+u&+4R8{^ 93vW9lQt8toRQWdx;_kUN39wWTiKlj|. This prevalence is evidenced by the fact that the Western Red Cedar has populations distributed from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 2,290 meters. Native Trees and Plants You Will See Everywhere In Spokane The Lands Fun Fact: The Wye Oak in Wye Mills, Maryland, was estimated to be over 450 years old when it finally fell in a thunderstorm in 2002. Did you know Sitka Spruce is used to make sounding boards in pianos and other musical instruments such as violins and guitars? Northwest Fruit Trees - Growing Fruit Trees In The Pacific Northwest Groundcovers will vary depending on amount of sunlight and moisture. These trees are recognized by the National Forestry Association as the largest living trees of their kind. Get text updates from The Nature Conservancy: American basswood tree standing at the edge of a lake. 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 . Western junipers reach maturity around 100 years old and produce small cone-like seeds. Our Recommendations For The Best Fir Trees To Plant In Washington State. Itll grow in averagely moist, acidic soils in full sun or partial shade. There are cold lonely mountain peaks that are constantly snowy and areas that are always mild and rarely ever see snow. Plant your oaks at least 15 feet away from any structures. A Midwest favorite, sugar maple is famous for its exceptional fall color. The tallest examples of this tree have attained heights reaching over 175 feet tall. They look great and are easy to care for. It produces a distinctive flower that measures around one inch across and features five white petals. Western Juniper (juniperus occidentalis), 11. 0000146607 00000 n Here are some common types of Maple Trees in Washington State that you can grow in your garden: 1. 0000010236 00000 n Moreover, there are smaller populations in North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. These trees grow in scrubby land that has a savannah appearance rather than in the wet old-growth forests that occupy much of the western part of the state. Being a varied climate zone, Washington State encompasses mountains, plateaus, coasts, and volcanic peaks, there are plenty of different trees to admire in the wild here. Their fruits have a raisin-like taste and are relished by birds. The first window is in the spring, around March or April. Mature Pacific Madrones have an orange-red and flaky bark and grow to heights of 10 to 30 meters and diameters of 5 to 8 feet. Nebraska has the second-lowest tree cover at 4%, followed by South Dakota at 5%. . Their flowers provide food for pollinators and their leaves turn a beautiful golden shade in the fall. Sitka Spruce 1.6 6. To review your email preferences, please visit nature.org/emailpreferences. You can pick out a Ponderosa pine by its needles which come in clusters of three. May be purchased from WSU Press, Amazon, or other book sellers. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and feature light green, oval leaves around one inch long. Other Common Names: Western Balsam Poplar, Average Size at Maturity: 30-100 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. All three of these species are found in the western part of the state. results. Trees of Idaho is a 24 page booklet that describes the native species of Idaho. 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. White oak can grow to a height of 25-30 feet and width of 12-15 feet as a result of its growth process. Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. It has broad leaves that are around six inches long and produces fragrant yellow flowers in the springtime. xb``Pc`p. X80p&y0r[dJUq()HUl*XJdN$Z :_b`R @X&$w?cAW'pH,dx.q< %;X"?Xg#esW9+uh-~pxWT<9~Of7>U3q>~#{^zwgwi naWN@ ts 0000044038 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. The simple oval leaves of the tree also have fine hairs and conceal rather inconspicuous flowers. 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. 0000011882 00000 n 0000164580 00000 n Mobile Terms & Conditions Alaska Yellow Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), different types of pine trees and how to identify, Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, types of dogwood trees and how to identify them, different types of fir trees and their identifying features, 10 Best Fruit Tree Varieties to Grow in Washington State, 6 Fast Growing Trees for Washington State (Shade or Hedge), 12 Washington State Flowering Trees to Brighten Up Your Yard, 10 Evergreen Trees in Washington State for Color & Privacy, 5 Types of Pine Trees You Will Find in Washington State. We also offer residential tree services to help you maintain your trees as they mature. Based on the climate and popularity, the following are our recommendations for the best trees to plant in Seattle, Tacoma, and across Washington. 0000009665 00000 n Update Privacy Preferences Fromhaving a summertime snack in a shady spot to climbing to the highest branch, so many of our memories are rooted in nature and the trees that provide so much to us. They can endure the cool temperatures of Puget Sound winters and thrive naturally. Grown in cultivation it wont reach the great heights seen in the wild, but will still need to be given adequate space. 0000003878 00000 n Other Common Names: Giant Fir, Lowland White Fir, Balsam Fir, Western White Fir Silver Fir, Oregon Fir, and Vancouver Fir, Average Size at Maturity: 100-250 ft tall and 20-35 ft wide. The tallest Douglas firs can approach 300 feet in height, and some of the oldest examples of this tree have been estimated to be close to 1000 years old. The foliage are needles, similar in appearance to true Hemlocks and Douglas fir trees. They are medium-sized trees reaching 20 35 meters in height and 8 feet in trunk diameter. Despite the small seeds, these trees can easily live between 400 and 500 years in ideal conditions. 2. 0000256938 00000 n Its a short-lived deciduous tree suited to cooler areas, as they dont tolerate heat and humidity well. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) A Midwest favorite, sugar maple is famous for its exceptional fall color. The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. 0000003767 00000 n 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. | Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. 0000144580 00000 n If you spot a tree with gray bark peeling in long, tough, vertical curls along its trunk, its likely to be a shagbark hickory. Douglas firs can grow up to 200 feet tall and feature short, flat needles that are around one to two inches long. Rocky Mountain Juniper (juniperus scopulorum), 10. 0000095038 00000 n Trees of Washington's Forests The forests of the Pacific Northwest contain more evergreens than almost anywhere in the United States. These trees are most often found in remote snowy fields at high elevations in the subalpine zone of mountains stretching from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington then up through Alaska. The bark is blackish/brown and furrowed on young trees, becoming brown/russet/yellow when older, breaking into scaly plates. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing. They feature a round crown of horizontal branches replete with clusters of white flowers. The Kwanzan Cherry is the most prolific bloomer of all the flowering cherry trees. The Sitka spruce can grow up to 250 feet tall and feature needles that are around 1 1/4 inch long. It is one of the most common trees found in the state's temperate rainforests. If you ever go hiking in the Pacific Northwest, keep your eyes peeled for these hemlocks gripping the sides of the slopes above. If you want to learn more about the different types of fir trees and their identifying features you can read our post on those. Planting trees in your yard provides a lot of benefits. 0000000016 00000 n The Sitka Spruce is the largest of all the spruce trees and the largest conifer on the planet. Western red cedar is also one of the most popular species of wood for use in all types of construction. Coniferous or evergreen trees are among the most common trees in Washington state. And we hope youll continue to learn more about the species that thrive in the wetlands, prairies, forests and other wild places The Nature Conservancy works hard to protect for people and nature. For a delicate tree in part-shade, try vine maple. Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) Image by Gertjan van Noord via Flickr The Western Hemlock is the official tree of the state of Washington. The Ponderosa Pine is prevalent in large numbers in theOkanagan ValleyandPuget Soundareas of Washington, on the banks of theNiobrara Riverin Nebraska, and theWillamette Valleyof Oregon. The leaves are dark green, elongated to ovoid with a greenish/grey, silver/white underside. 0000253903 00000 n 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. Average Size at Maturity: 15-30 ft tall and 1.5-5 ft wide. They generally grow slowly, but some can grow to 100 feet tall and live up to 300 years. The oldest specimen of these trees has been estimated to be 1,500 years old or older. These trees grow very slowly and can live for hundreds of years. They can also grow quite broad. Pacific Northwest Trees - Alderleaf Wilderness College The needles are usually between 7 and 25mm in length. The bark of the Sitka Spruce is thin and scaly, with circular plates. In fact, western hemlock is widely distributed throughout the state of Washington, especially the western half. Golden Chinquapin (chrysolepis chrysophylla), 18. Red alders are one of the fastest growing trees in the United States, and they can grow 3 to 5 feet per year for the first twenty years. 0000013901 00000 n %%EOF 0000135496 00000 n The oldest Douglas fir trees in Washington are over 500 years old! ( It can grow up to 30 feet tall and feature two needles that are fused together at the base. Washington's forests are home to about 25 native tree species. We may have detected a typo. Golden Chinquapin can grow up to 40 feet tall and feature smooth, green bark that is divided into plates. Itll grow in all soil types apart from clay. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Growing Fruit Trees in the Northwest They are small, shrub-like, and sprout single seeds surrounded by a red construct that looks remarkably like a berry. The climate of the state is influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which favors the growth of forests, which abundantly grace around half of the states landmass. 2014. Prevalent in large parts of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Sitka Spruce wont be found more the 50 miles inland from the Pacific. Its commonly found alongside streams and rivers or other areas with moist soils. 20 Best Tuition-Free Colleges and Universities 2021. 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. Black Cottonwood can be grown as solitary trees in parks and public areas.