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Torreya californica Torr.

California nutmeg, California-nutmeg

Taxaceae (Yew Family)

USDA Symbol: toca

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A small, understory tree, 15-50 ft. tall, that looks like a miniature yew or glossy-leaved redwood. The branches are slender and spreading and the narrow leaves are stiff and dark green. The tree bears green, nutmeg-like fruits with purple markings. Strongly aromatic tree with conical or rounded crown and rows of slender, spreading branches.

The name California Nutmeg refers to the resemblance of the aromatic seeds, with a deeply folded seed coat, to those of the unrelated commercial spice, nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.). Stinking-cedar alludes to the disagreeable resinous odor of crushed foliage and other parts. Native Americans used to make bows from the strong wood.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Fruit:
Size Class: 36-72 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Notes: Pollen cones whitish.

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: CA mts. from Santa Cruz to Mendocino & Tulare to Tehama Cos.
Native Habitat: Cool, humid, wooded slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Propagation from seed is possible.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Torreya californica in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Torreya californica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Torreya californica

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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