ExplorePlants

California torreya

Torreya californica

The California torreya is a special tree that grows in California's forests. It has thick, dark green leaves and produces unique nuts that are tasty and nutritious.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The California torreya is an evergreen conifer with dense, dark green, needle-like leaves that are sharp to the touch. Its smooth, reddish-brown bark eventually becomes furrowed. It produces small, olive-like green to purplish-brown seeds covered in a fleshy aril.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyTaxaceaeGenusTorreya
California torreya
broadleaf_tree trait badgeevergreen trait badgenut_bearing trait badgeedible trait badge
California torreya

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

If you rub its needles, they release a tangy, resinous scent!

Indigenous people once ground and ate its delicious, nutritious seeds.

Its ripe seeds look strikingly like tiny green olives!

This tree's family lineage dates back millions of years!

Special abilities

Ability

Stump Sprouter

California torreya can regrow from its base after damage like fire, helping it survive and live for centuries.

Ability

Shade Lover

California torreya can grow well in dim forest light, allowing it to thrive under taller canopy trees.

Ability

Long-Lived Legacy

California torreya can live for several hundred years, passing on its genes across many generations.

Measurements & details

Height
500-2500 cm
Spread
600-1200 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat any nuts or plants without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is California torreya?

500-2500 cm

How wide does California torreya spread?

600-1200 cm

When does California torreya bloom?

Spring

Is California torreya edible?

Yes

Is California torreya toxic?

None

What is California torreya's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is California torreya pollinated?

Wind

Where is California torreya usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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