California Nutmeg

Torreya Californica

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Overview

Torreya californica, commonly known as California Nu™eg, is an evergreen tree found in the wild up to 49 ft tall but usually smaller in landscapes. It features sharp, dark green needles, ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches long, and produces plum-like seeds with kernels reminiscent of nu™eg. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Its slow growth and conical form make it ideal for focal points in shade gardens.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 2–9

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — commonly known as California Nu™eg

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 2–9

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Cephalotaxaceae

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Photos (51)

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade; these needles carry a striking arrangement along the stems

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — and produces plum-like seeds with kernels reminiscent of nu™eg; ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches long

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches long; consider its requirements for well-drained soil and part to full shade exposure

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — Growing natively in the California mountains; dark green needles approximately 1 to 2 inches in length

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — scientifically known as Torreya californica; is an evergreen tree found in the wild up to 49 ft tall but usually

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — Its slow growth and conical form make it ideal for focal points in shade gardens; when incorporating Torreya

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — adding both texture and density to the garden's greenery; growing natively in the California mountains

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — These needles carry a striking arrangement along the stems; commonly known as California Nu™eg

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — dark green needles approximately 1 to 2 inches in length; although the seeds are not for culinary use

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — Resembling true nutmeg in appearance; conifer / tree for full

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — While the California Nutmeg is slow-growing; creating a unique visual interest

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — plum-like seeds dangle from the tree's branches; scientifically known as Torreya californica

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — creating a unique visual interest; plum-like seeds dangle from the tree's branches

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — The California Nutmeg requires minimal maintenance once established; making it a noble choice for a client's garden

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — When incorporating Torreya californica into a design; its slow growth and conical form make it ideal for focal points

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — consider its requirements for well-drained soil and part to full shade exposure for optimal growth; resembling true

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — Although the seeds are not for culinary use; yet low-maintenance addition to their landscape

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — making it a noble choice for a client's garden that pursues a stately; prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — yet low-maintenance addition to their landscape; while the California Nutmeg is slow-growing

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — is an evergreen tree found in the wild up to 49 ft tall but usually smaller in landscapes; adding both, image 46

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — commonly known as California Nu™eg; and produces plum-like seeds with kernels reminiscent of, image 45

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — conifer / tree for full; the California Nutmeg requires minimal maintenance once established

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — and produces plum-like seeds with kernels reminiscent of nu™eg; ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches long, image 48

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches long; consider its requirements for well-drained soil and part to full shade, image 47