It has broad leaves that are around six inches long and produces fragrant yellow flowers in the springtime. 1 The 9 Common Types of Trees in Washington 1.1 1. On the semiarid parts of the Columbia basin, grasses prevail, merging into sagebrush and other scattered shrubs in the driest areas. The cones are elongated, and egg-shaped, with 5-6 pairs of flexible scales. endstream endobj 140 0 obj<>stream to Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org, Carl Dennis, Auburn University, Bugwood.org. 0000012231 00000 n Trees, numbers, and presidents are the most popular names for streets, which is understandable. Trees of Washington's Forests The forests of the Pacific Northwest contain more evergreens than almost anywhere in the United States. The crown is broad on young trees, flattening on older trees as the lower branches are shed. Distributed from southwest British Columbia to the north of California, the Vine Maple is a species of Maple that commonly grows as a large 5 to 8-meter tall shrub. 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! However the state has a varied topography; there are also mountains, plateaus, coastal towns, and volcanic peaks which also support different native tree species. Did you know Western Red Cedar chips are used to make medical masks and gowns? The bark is the source of one the most widely used natural cancer-fighting drugs in the US, Taxol. This large shrub at 4.5 meters in height has a silver brown bark and simple, deciduous leaves. The bark is thin and red on the interior. Instead, they have small shiny green leaves with points and serrated edges similar to a holly leaf. They can be found in the wild as well as in the yards of native Washington residents. Thats why its often a go to tree for urban planners to help with erosion and other environmental challenges. 8. 0000027634 00000 n While the conifers are a bit more common in the Northwest, you can also plant some hardy deciduous trees that have proven they can handle the wet, cool environment. Another dead giveaway are the leaves, which resemble tulips when they emerge from their large, expanding pastel buds in the spring. 0000022443 00000 n 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. 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He learned how to propagate certain endangered endemic species and has a love of permaculture, sustainability and conscious living. HW5WR^ bI$~sP>|.G1Po1!}|6B/o/_n_^^ They grow fast and look gorgeous in spring, summer, and fall. 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. These are practical, unoffensive choices. Moreover, there are smaller populations in North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. 2014. Occasionally, however, the Vine Maple will form a small to medium-sized tree up to 18 meters in height. Golden Chinquapin can grow up to 40 feet tall and feature smooth, green bark that is divided into plates. It is a large tree, commonly growing to more than 75 feet, with a rounded crown. The prime time for planting apple trees in Washington state, or other fruit trees for that matter, is within two different windows on the calendar. The needles are very long and can grow as big as twelve inches in length, which makes ponderosa pines valued as decorative trees. 1 Rocky Mountain Juniper (juniperus scopulorum), 10. Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), 12. Douglas Fir The Doug fir can be easy to confuse with other Christmas trees like Western hemlock and Sitka spruce. A widely-known variety of the pine family, Douglas Firs, is an evergreen conifer species indigenous to North America. Other Common Names: Subalpine Larch, Lyall Larch. The Western Red Cedar features a pyramidal form and a buttressed base when mature. Mountain Lake and forest in the wilderness of Washington State, 9. The Red Alder is used for furniture as well as the production of paper. The branches grow horizontally and the crown has a conical shape, becoming rounded with age. These trees thrive in the wet climates along Washingtons coast and cluster in deep old growth forests. Washington's forests are among the most extensive in the United States; about half the state's land area is forested. 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. Beech trees can reach up to 100 feet tall and grow beautiful multi-colored foliage. The forests of the Pacific Northwest contain more evergreens than almost anywhere in the United States. The Sitka spruce also produces cones that are around two inches long. While many people think of springtime as the best time to plant trees, with Washingtons long, wet falls, planting in late summer can help create stronger trees. 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. Other Common Names: Alaska Pine, and Western Hemlock-Spruce, Average Size at Maturity: 100-150 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. The Red Alder has long, ovate leaves that have bluntly serrated edges and a pointy end. They are also used in medicine to fight serious illnesses such as cancer. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Young ponderosa pines have dark, almost black bark, which lightens into a brownish color as they age. They generally grow slowly, but some can grow to 100 feet tall and live up to 300 years. The trees bark is thin, furrowed, and gray, while the crown is slender and conical in juvenile trees and more cylindrical in older ones. Like many other northwestern states, Washington is home to a large and diverse collection of trees. 0000017278 00000 n Did you know the most well-known natural-source cancer drug in the United States, Taxol, is derived from the bark of the Pacific Yew tree? The Alpine Larch is a deciduous, coniferous tree native to high altitude areas (between 1800 and 2400 meters) west of the Cascades in WA. Glossy privet is Washingtons state medium-sized tree. 0000212401 00000 n If you spend enough time in Washington and keep your eyes peeled, you will be able to spot each and every one of these species. Blue anemone can grow from about 6-12 inches tall and likes full shade to part shade. Sitka spruce is extremely common in the wet coastal areas of the Pacific, stretching from Washington up through British Columbia and into Alaska. The western hemlock also produces distinct cones that grow in vertical pairs and can measure up to five inches long. Douglas firs can grow up to 200 feet tall and feature short, flat needles that are around one to two inches long. The Western White pine is known for it large, resinous cones that measure up to six inches in length. As in other states, this pa. 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. They grow very large and are often covered in moss - a beautiful sight to see and a classic image of Washington. 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. 0000231501 00000 n As in other states, this partly oceanic climate favors the growth of forests, which are prevalent across about half of the states land area. For a delicate tree in part-shade, try vine maple. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Natives can also be planted in the home landscape for low-maintenance species that can provide great benefits to the environment. The bark of the Sitka Spruce is thin and scaly, with circular plates. Cypress trees can grow quickly to create a hedge of spires. Red alder trees are prized for their growing speed. Average Size at Maturity: 15-25 ft tall and 15-20 ft wide. Most of the forested area in the state lies west of the Cascades Range, which supports dense temperate rainforests filled with conifers. Why Does My House Smell Like Gas But With No Leak: 6 Possible Reasons. Fun Fact: Mature elms can provide important habitat for eagles, ospreys, barred owls, a host of breeding songbirds and mammals such as roosting bats and flying squirrels. Other Common Names: Coast Spruce, Tideland Spruce, Average Size at Maturity: 50-160 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. p9+`+yUc$,bgHw|Ar9+Y4b[;|_GYU'[5([/d"kE! wKU(v1f6YIo2Iw51`2clak"cKI/K$ *{lM}vB5-*}$+rv ; 0000010974 00000 n Please enter a valid email address (formatted as name@company.com). The Western Red Cedar can live up to a remarkable 100 years and, during its long lifetime, can grow up to 70 meters in height and 7 meters in trunk diameter. Title VI Notice of Nondiscrimination In the fall, these leaves turn a yellowish-brown that isnt quite as ornamental as other species, such as the sugar maple. Fun Fact: Love hickory-smoked meat or fish? Its a pioneer species that colonizes recently disturbed sites near streams and cleared or burned land. The leaves of the Vine Maple are pinnately lobed, with 7-9 lobes. Red spruce, Picea rubens, is a common forest tree of the Acadian forest region. 0000076482 00000 n So if youre looking to learn more about evergreen trees, read on! The Evergreen State is home to many different types of evergreen trees. Some maple trees grow well in Washington State. This is a deciduous broadleaf tree that reaches heights of 20 to 30 meters. The Pacific Dogwoods branches have very fine hairs, while the bark is relatively smooth. Tree ecosystems and the best trees for the Pacific Northwest climate arent always common knowledge. There are many different types of evergreen trees that can be found in Washington state. The bark is thin, yellowish/grey, and smooth when young and becomes flaky and reddish brown/purple when mature. 0000218258 00000 n The Coastal Redwood produces clusters of small, yellowish-white flowers in the springtime. When Thomas isnt hiking in nature he can be found playing music, reading a book, or eating fruit under a tree. Other Common Names: Sierra Hemlock, Black Hemlock, Patton Spruce, and Hemlock Spruce, Average Size at Maturity: 30-100 ft tall and 15-20 ft wide. These trees only live to be 100 years maximum. $18.95. The tree's intolerance of shade means Douglas-fir grows best in open sunlight. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and feature dark green leaves that are around three inches long. The Western White Pine is a very common Washington evergreen tree. Its a fast-growing species that can be found in lowlands and coastal areas of WA. endstream endobj 134 0 obj<>/Metadata 131 0 R/Pages 130 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 135 0 obj<>/ColorSpace<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/Properties<>/MC11<>/MC12<>/MC13<>/MC0<>/MC1<>/MC2<>/MC3<>/MC4<>/MC5<>/MC6<>/MC7<>/MC8<>/MC9<>>>/ExtGState<>>>/Type/Page>> endobj 136 0 obj<> endobj 137 0 obj<> endobj 138 0 obj[/ICCBased 172 0 R] endobj 139 0 obj<>stream The Douglas Fir is one of the most important sources of lumber in the country. They thrive in moist coastal lands and the low mountains near the coast of the state. Also known as the Western Yew, this tree is a species of the Yew family and is indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. 0000002596 00000 n 0000040666 00000 n 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. Their fruits have a raisin-like taste and are relished by birds. Much of this region supports dense temperate rainforest of conifer species. Pacific yews are used to create professional archery bows as well as canoes. Home ranges for tree squirrels are acre to 10 acres. Fun Fact: Nectar from basswood flowers is a favorite source of food for bees, as the pungent flowers help honeybees produce an especially delicious brand of honey. This tree is prevalent in coastal cliffs, where it tends to contort its growth habitat. They provide some privacy and exist in several colors. Pacific Dogwoods are variable trees, taking on different forms depending on their location. They can also grow quite broad. It produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that produce distinctive orange seeds. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Much like the fir trees, these can get big. However, not every tree can thrive in every environment. Indigenous to the west coast of North America, the Mountain Hemlock is a species of Hemlock and is an evergreen coniferous tree. <<6CF62D1802E7784887E4170F923F0F93>]>> Mountain Hemlock 1.9 9. 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. Picea rubens . Nvuq{3Y^27h+}[cTmwf>!V%Am.+ v Lastly, the Cascara thrives along streamsides in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests. The Lodgepole Pine is an extremely adaptable pine tree. This tree can grow up to an enormous height of 100 meters and a trunk diameter of 5 meters. Nicknamed "The Evergreen State," Washington is known for having a lot of evergreen trees. Trees of Idaho is a 24 page booklet that describes the native species of Idaho. This article will outline 15 of the most common types of trees in Washington State, explaining some important characteristics and defining features of each one along the way. 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. But how much do you know about the trees near you? Douglas fir trees grow rapidly and can reach heights of up to 330 feet and trunk diameters exceeding 8-10 feet when mature. Trees reduce air temperatures by shading impervious surfaces, preventing them from heating up from the suns rays, and by transpiring water, cooling the air much as you feel cooler when sweat evaporates off your skin. Average Size at Maturity: 50-100 ft tall and 20-30 ft wide. Pacific yews are popular ornamental plants because they do not grow large or fast. Western junipers reach maturity around 100 years old and produce small cone-like seeds. 0000111504 00000 n Update Privacy Preferences Washington has moderate summers, but it also has long, wet falls that extend into cool winters. Close-up view of white pine tree needles. There are areas that get multiple feet of rain per year and areas where it hardly rains at all. However, alders do not live as long as other trees native to the wet coastal areas of the state. The Pacific Yew can be identified by its thin and scaly brown bark and its flat, dark-green, lanceolate leaves. It's the largest of the hemlocks, so if you're considering planting one, make sure your yard has enough room to accommodate it.