A Guide to Identifying Trees While Hiking: Monterey County, California

Redwood Trees (Sequoia sempervirens)

Coast redwoods are the tallest trees in the world, with some reaching over 350 feet! These trees can grow up to 2-3 feet per year under ideal conditions, and some have been known to be more than 2,000 years old, though many of the trees along the Pfeiffer Falls Trail are just a few hundred years old. Their long lifespan is attributed to their resistance to disease, fire, and insect damage. The bark of coast redwoods is thick (up to 12 inches) and fibrous, providing excellent protection against fire and insects. The wood is lightweight, strong, and resistant to decay, making it valuable for construction, though logging is now restricted to preserve these ancient forests. The cones are small and require the heat of a wildfire to open and disperse the tiny seeds.

Redwood forests provide habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species. The dense canopy and shaded understory create a unique microclimate that supports ferns, mosses, and a variety of understory plants. Species such as the marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, and numerous amphibians and insects rely on redwood forests for habitat.

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Douglas firs are another common coniferous tree in the area. Douglas firs can grow between 70 to 120 feet tall, with some of the tallest specimens reaching up to 330 feet. They have a fast growth rate, typically growing about 2 feet per year under favorable conditions. The bark of mature Douglas firs is thick, deeply furrowed, and brownish-gray, providing protection against fire and insects. The needles of Douglas firs are flat, soft, and dark green, arranged in a spiral around the branches. They emit a sweet fragrance when crushed. The cones are oval-shaped, about 2 to 4 inches long, and have distinctive three-pointed bracts that extend beyond the scales, resembling tiny mouse tails. 

Douglas fir forests provide habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. Common inhabitants include birds like owls and woodpeckers, mammals such as deer and squirrels, and numerous insects. 

California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica)

This California native typically grows to heights of 30 to 75 feet but can sometimes reach up to 100 feet in ideal conditions. They have a moderate growth rate, thriving in both moist and dry conditions, though they prefer well-drained soils. The leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and leathery. When crushed, they release a strong, sitinct aroma (due to cineole, an essential oil) similar to that of bay leaves used in cooking, although they are much stronger in flavor. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and arranged in clusters. They typically bloom in early spring. The fruits are small, round drupes that turn from green to dark purple as they ripen. They resemble small avocados and are referred to as "California bay nuts".

California bay laurels provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Species such as deer, squirrels, and various birds rely on the tree for food and habitat. Birds like the band-tailed pigeon are known to feed on the fruits.

Tanbark Oak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus)

Tanbark oak is an evergreen tree that can be found in the coastal woodlands of California. Tanbark oaks can grow to heights of 40 to 80 feet, with some exceptional specimens reaching up to 100 feet. They have a moderate growth rate and thrive in both moist and dry conditions.The leaves are dark green, leathery, and oblong with toothed edges. The underside of the leaves is often covered with fine hairs, giving them a lighter appearance. The bark contains high levels of tannins, which were historically used for tanning leather. The wood of tanbark oak is dense and hard, making it useful for various purposes, although it is not commonly used commercially. The acorns are enclosed in a spiky cupule, which differentiates them from other oak species.

Species such as deer, squirrels, and various birds rely on the tree for food and habitat. The acorns are particularly important for animals like acorn woodpeckers and deer.

Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)

Bigleaf maples typically grow to heights of 50 to 100 feet. They have a fast growth rate, especially in moist, well-drained soils, and can adapt to various environmental conditions. True to their name, bigleaf maples have the largest leaves of any maple species, measuring up to 12 inches across! The leaves are palmate, with five deep lobes, and turn a brilliant yellow or orange in the fall. The seeds are contained in paired samaras (winged seeds), which are dispersed by the wind. Although not as common as sugar maples, bigleaf maples can be tapped for syrup production, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

Bigleaf maples provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Birds like chickadees and nuthatches feed on the seeds, while squirrels and other mammals rely on the tree for food and habitat. 

Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

Pacific Madrones can grow to heights of 30 to 75 feet, with some reaching up to 100 feet in optimal conditions. They have a moderate growth rate and thrive in well-drained soils, often on slopes and ridges where they can access ample sunlight. The leaves are evergreen, glossy, and dark green, with a leathery texture. The distinctive bark is smooth and reddish-orange, peeling away in thin sheets to reveal a greenish or cinnamon-colored layer underneath. As the tree ages, the bark may become rougher and darker at the base. In spring, the tree produces clusters of small, white to pale pink, bell-shaped flowers that are fragrant and attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The flowers are followed by orange-red berries that ripen in the fall. 

Pacific Madrones provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife. The evergreen canopy offers shelter and nesting sites for birds, while the berries provide nutrition for mammals and birds. Birds such as cedar waxwings, robins, and thrushes are particularly fond of the berries. Additionally, small mammals like squirrels and raccoons also feed on the fruit.