1. *California Nutmeg/Stinking Yew – Torreya californica
(TOR-ee-uh cal-ih-FOR-ni-cuh)
Family: Taxaceae (Yew Family)
Native to: Endemic to N. CA, growing in Pacific Coast Ranges and foothills of the Sierra Nevada;
occurs in many diverse plant communities, including chaparral and various coastal forests such as
redwood, ponderosa forests, usually in cool deeply shaded slopes and canyon bottoms.
Growth characteristics: woody evergreen tree
mature height: 40-60 ft. mature width: 30-40 ft.
Evergreen tree that’s conical in youth, more rounded with age. Needles shiny dark green, sharp,
arranged stiffly on slender branches. Resembles a miniature yew or glossy-leaved redwood in form.
Plants are very aromatic – scent similar to Sandalwood, but some find it disagreeable. Mature bark
is thin, gray-brown. Plants are slow-growing and live hundreds of years in the wild.
Separate male, female ‘cones’, usually on separate trees.
Not related to true
nutmeg; so named for the appearance of the female fruits/cones which are covered like a fleshy fruit
before maturity. Seeds ripen in fall; take two years to mature.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Mostly used as large specimen tree for its striking appearance, aroma. Several
sometimes planted in ‘groves’ in parks and other large landscapes. Can be pruned as a hedge; used
as barrier plant. Does well in large containers. Gives the feel of N. CA coastal forests. Seeds eaten
by Native Californians; plant also used medicinally and for other uses. Nice wood.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native yews and similar evergreens.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nest sites and seeds for jays and other birds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun only on immediate coast; part-shade best in most gardens.
Any texture – sandy to clay; prefers slightly acidic soil – pH 5.5-7.0.
Moist, well-drained soils – Water Zone 2-3 to 3; likes to be misted.
½ strength fertilizer fine.
Organic mulch; can allow to self- mulch.
Easy to grow in the right conditions, but needs moisture (like a redwood). Does
poorly in windy sites.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed or cold-moist pre-treat; slow germination
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
5, 8, 11
by cuttings: yes
12/3/12
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