Native Plants
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Torreya californica
Torreya californica Torr.
California Nutmeg, California-nutmeg
Taxaceae (Yew Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: TOCA
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A small, understory tree, usually 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.
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Cone
Size Notes: Up to about 80 feet tall. Trunk to about 4 feet in diameter.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Notes: Flowers are inconspicuous. Pollen cones whitish.
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: CA mts. from Santa Cruz to Mendocino & Tulare to Tehama Cos.
Native Habitat: Cool, humid, wooded slopes
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soils.
Propagation
Description: Propagation from seed is possible.Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Torreya californica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Torreya californica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Torreya californica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-23Research By: TWC Staff