Twenty Undeservedly Rare Trees for Southern California
A great diversity of different tree species can be grown in Southern California’s mild climate. Diverse tree plantings are more interesting and beautiful, and they make the urban forest more resilient to pests and diseases.
Yet, most trees sold and planted widely in Southern California come from a list of no more than a hundred or so species. The nursery and landscape industries are risky businesses, and growers and designers are often hesitant to experiment with new trees.
When we grow only trees that are proven to succeed, we run the risk of continuing to diminish species diversity in our urban forests and never discovering new species that might prove to be of great merit. Nothing ventured...nothing gained.
Here is a list of twenty undeservedly rare tree species that do well in Southern California and should be grown more often and widely than they are.