California Nutmeg
Torreya californica
Yew family (Taxaceae)
Vulnerable
Watch out … stinging needles
The California nutmeg tree is a slow-growing conifer reaching heights of 20 m, with slightly hanging branches. In the western United States it grows along riverbanks and valleys at an altitude of 1500 m where it is relatively frost tolerant.
The leaves (needles) are 20-60 mm in length. They have sharp points and two white bands on their lower surface. On the side shoots the needles grow in two straight lines. They are very stiff and so sharp that they stab when touched. Amidst the bundle of needles is a resin tube that emits an aromatic scent when squeezed. The tree is dioecious: male flowers are round and yellow, female flowers are green.
Its strong scent of sage gives this tree its alternative name, the stinking cedar. The ‘fruits’ have a laxative effect.
Themes
Crown jewel on the Schovenhorst Estate.
Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked (roasted) and are a rich source of edible oil.
The crushed seeds can be used to rub on the temples to treat headaches.
The roots have been used as splints in basketry. The wood is straight-grained, strong, light, soft and easily worked. It is of no commercial value, although it is occasionally used for fence posts.
Part of the Dutch National Conifer Collection.
Details
| Description: | Conifer, 15–25 m. |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | California |
| Habitat: | Along mountain streams, protected slopes, stream bottoms, and moist canyons, from sea level to 2000 m. in altitude. |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic evergreen) |
| Hardiness: | 5 - 14 f (hardy - cold winter) |
| Flowering period: | Mei |
| Fruiting period: | September - november |