George T. Hastings Trees of Santa Monica (Revised by Grace L. Heintz), Friends of the Santa Monica Library Committee for Trees of Santa Monica: Santa Monica, CA, (1981), 1976, 1956, 1944
Preface:
"Santa Monica is versatile both in the numbers and the kinds of its trees. Early growers and developers planted many, especially north of Wilshire. Later nurserymen and private collectors vied with each other in introducing unusual species which enriched an already significant plant palette. The City itself did not get into tree planting until quite late, 1952 to be exact, and while its selection is somewhat limited due to narrow parkways and widening streets, there are many fine new trees, particularly where none existed. This policy, plus the horticultural interest of home owners, has produced a notable result.
"The trees described here-in, far from being a complete list of those growing in Santa Monica, are only the ones along the streets or easily seen from the street. Less visible subjects, some equally fine or better, are not included. The purpose of this selection is to identify specimens everyone can see in each section of the city, and to suggest the special neighborhood character that only trees can impart.
"As the more interested readers follow the revision they will note that some subjects reported will have disappeared before the book is in print. This may well emphasize one significant facet of our bicentennial year-the vital need to preserve and augment our living environment."
In Appreciation:
[George T. Hastings [1875-1964] was born in 1875 and graduated from Cornell University in 1898, where he was probably influenced by Liberty Hyde Bailey, a significant Horticultural and Plant Taxonomist. After graduation, Hastings taught in Chile, and then returned to the Philadelphia Museum of Natural History, and then several New York high schools. He came to California in 1941 because of his asthma and took up residence in the 800 block of Euclid. He founded the Santa Monica Nature Club. His first edition of Trees of Santa Monica was published in 1944, second edition in 1956. On Oct. 10th, 1963 on his 88th birthday, a plaque was unveiled in his honor in Palisades Park.]
Acknowledgements:
" . . . "
Where Our Trees Came From
"A glance at the map on the following page shows that our trees have come from all around the world, chiefly from subtropical and warm temperate regions, with more from Australia than any other region. Comparatively few of those commonly planted are natives of our own state, so that we seem to neglect these in favor of ones introduced from foreign lands. Of trees native to California that we see in our city the Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress, California Fan Palm and California Sycamore are ones most often grown. Other Californians are Torrey Pine, Coast Live Oak, Incense Cedar, Coast Redwood, Big-leaf Maple Toyon and such small trees as Catalina Cherry and Laurel Sumac. One or two specimens of the Big Tree-Sequoia gigantea-may be found."
" . . ."
Palisades Park:
"Palisades Park is not as old as the city but comes close. What is now the park was given to the city in 1895 by Senator Jones and Mrs. Arcadia de Baker. This mile and a half strip of cliff-top has been effectively planted with trees, shrubs and flowering plants. The project was started by Mr. Edward H. Sweetser, who, as Park Commissioner in 1908 stipulated that his salary be spent for trees for the park. . . .
" . . ."
City Hall:
"Balanced symmetry is the keynote in plantings at the City Hall.
"Along the street curb in front grows a line of Podocarpus macrophylla var. maki. In the lawn north of the rear parking entrance near the bridge over the freeway, stands a magnificent clump of Yucca elephantipes. A row of Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm) lines the crest of the freeway cut. Farther back in the parking lot north of the building are three Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis). Three Carobs (Ceratonia siliqua) line the south side of the parking lot. A bunya-bunya (Araucaria bidwillii) stands at the northwest corner of the building. Along the north wall are Yew pines (Podocarpus macrophylla), with Bird-of-Paradise (Streilitzia reginae) and a bank of Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa).
"The western facade has matching quintets of Windmill Palms (Trachycarpus fortunei), and four fine Hollywood Junipers (Juniperus chinensis "Kaizuka') flank the main entrance, matched by an equally happy pair at the street end of the entrance walkway. Along the south face of the building are more Yew pines, compact trees with slender leaves four to five inches long, Bird-of-Paradise with conspicuous orange and blue flowers; New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax), with six-foot sword-like leaves, Green Dracena (Cordyline australis); and very tall Mexican Fan Palms. Carobs line the border of the parking lot, between the lot and the street are two elegant clumps of Senegal Date Palms (Phoenix reclinata) and a small Olive tree (Olea europaea).
Santa Monica County Building
"Along the north side of the County Building are five luxuriant Rubber Trees (Ficus elastica 'Decora') and in the planters two Mahonia lomariifolia. At the northwest corner stands a group of Windmill Palms (Trachycarpus fortunei). Along the west-facing facade are, from north to south, three Canary Island Pines, a group of Yucca, a small grouping of Mediterranean Fan Palms (Chamaerops humilis), and four more Windmill Palms. In the recess of the north entrance is a remarkably fine Tupidanthus calyptratus which closely resembles the other Umbrella Tree (Brassaia actinophylla). Beyond is a Fern Pine (Podocarpus gracilior) and more Chamaerops.
"The main western facade presents from the north a trio of taller Windmill Palms, clusters of lower Chamaerops, and groups of Yucca. In the raised planter at the main entrance grow a Mahonia lomariifolia and three dainty Pygmy Date Palms (Phoenix roebelenii). More Mahonias stand beside the walk.
"Across the lawn in front of the building is a row of Rusty-leaf Figs (Ficus rubiginosa). The raised planter near the flagpole has a cluster of Yuccas andChamaerops. The two planters flanking the steps in front contain Hollywood Junipers and Chameaerops humilis.
"The western face of the south wing has a grouping of four pines (Pinus carnariensis), and at the southwest corner, several Windmill Palms.
"North of the flagpole near the entrance to the parking lot serving the County Building and the Auditorium is a trio of California Fan Palms (Washingtonia filifera) with sturdy, stout trunks; east of the flagpole, at the end of the divider between the two main sections of the parking lot, is a trio of Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia robusta) with their very tall, slender, graceful trunks. Eastward along the same divider are large bushes of Myoporum, then Pittosporum undulatumand Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis).
Rand Corporation
"In the freeway to the west of the Main Street overpass, Lombardy Poplars (Populus nigra 'Italica') grow at the foot of the slope against the fence; and midway on the slope stands a lone Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa). Several Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) and Queen Palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) stand near the street in the northeastern corner of the parking lot. The trees along nearby Main Street are Podocarpus macrophylla var. maki. The northern parking lot is lined with Oleanders (Nerium oleander), Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia robusta), Catalina Cherry (Prunus lyonii), and more Canary Island Date Palms. The most striking tree in the area is a Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) with large, leathery leaves, and roots conspicuously buttressed. There is also a Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus), and a Silk Oak (Grevillea robusta). Farther west and part way down the bank grow two Bushy Yate Trees (Eucalyptus lehmannii) which in flower seem to have green moss growing out of the stems. These are the stamens which are clumped together. The fruit will be clumped also; it sometimes clings to the trunk in a most curious fashion.
"In the northwest corner, next to the freeway cut, are two small Monterey Pines (Pinus radiata) which seem quite unhappy there. Young Mexican Fan Palms have been planted as the curb tree along Ocean Avenue along the western edge. The islands in the parking lot are planted with Indian Laurel Figs while against the north side of the building are Snail Seed Trees (Cocculus laurifolius), with three-veined leaves. Next are more Indian Laurel Figs. The larger multi-trunk tree isFicus rubiginosa var. australis. These are called Rusty-leaf Figs but this variety has almost no tomentum under the leaves. In the planters on the north side of the eastern end of the underpass are seven small graceful Pygmy Date Palms (Phoenix roebelenii) and two Fern Pines (Podocarpus gracilor), together with three tree ferns. On the southern side of the underpass, from west to east are a Mexican Fan Palm, seven King Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana), two Fern Pines, more Mexican Fan Palms, one little Cycad (Cycad revoluta), a large leafed Phildendron, and eight clumps of Bird-of-Paradise Trees (Strelitzia nicoli). Farther northeast are several Indian Laurel Figs and toward the corner seven Cordyline and a lone Magnolia.
"Near Main Street are five Ficus rubiginosa var. australis (again note the lack of tomentum on the underside). The main east facade of the Rand building complex has large clumps of Bird-of-Paradise at the north, and at the entrance, two Mexican Fan Palms, more arborescent Philodendron, and more Bird-of-Paradise Trees. Farther south are Rusty-leaf Figs.
"Opposite the County Building stands a row of Kaffir Plums (Harpephyllum caffrum) with one lone Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) near the south end.
"The south parking lot contains two species of Coral Trees, both Erthrina. Those in the northern part nearest to the building are E. caffra, a South African tree, with lightish bark and burnt-orange flowers that are quite expanded. The others, largely situated in the southern part of the the lot, are a Mexican species, E. coralloides; they have a darker, more twisted trunk and bright red flowers that are never as expanded as their neighbors. The leaves of E. coralloides are less glossy than those of E. caffra, and the stems of the former possess weak spines on their undersides, while the leaf stem of E. caffra is spineless. A hedge of Myoporum serves as a windbreak along the western edge of the parking lot.
Municipal Auditorium:
"On the northwest, near the stret and the entrance to the parking lot, is a group of Senegal Date Palms (Phoenix reclinata). At the northwest corner of the building is a cluster of small Mexican Fan Palms (Washingtonia robusta), while closer to the street is a Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata), and closer to the announcement board is a Green Dracena (Cordyline australis). Near the box office is a Hollywood Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'), and a large planting of stemless Yucca. The low shrub along the front is a purple-flowering evergreen, Hebe.
"Around the corner near the delivery entrance are two Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). The nearby hedge perpendicular to the street is composed of Tobira (Pittosporum tobira) while its continuation southwards parallel to the street contains Karo (Pittospoum crassifolium), a tall shrub or tree with gray-green leaves, and at the base Rhaphiolepis indica (India Hawthorn) with finely saw-toothed leaf margins. Closer to Pico one may see several shrubby Myoporum, some Oleander, and Escallonia rubra with dark red tubular flowers. Within the hedge grows a single Canary Island Date Palm and a Mexican Fan Palm.
"Across the north side of the Auditorium, from the nothwest corner towards the main entrance, occur in succession: Hollywood Juniper; Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica); Bird-of-Paradise Tree with its flattened stalks and with flowers each with a dark blue tongue; and the aborescent Philodendron selloum with huge, deeply divided glossy dark green leaves. Beyond the entrance is Griselinia lucida, with glossy rounded leaves.
"The huge tree near the Conference Room is a Coral (Erythrina coralloides). At the northwest corner of the Conference Room is a hedge-like planting of Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) interspersed with Weeping Bottlebrush. Along the east wall is Tobira, and Viburnum japonicum, as well as Viburnum suspensum which has hanging flowers with a tubular corolla and somewhat warty stems. Two evergreen pear trees (Pyrus kawakami) flank the driveway near the stage entrance. At the entrance are three Mexican Fan Palms, Hibiscus, Aralia and several unclipped bushes of Viburnum japonicum. Parallel to Pico east of the entrance driveway are three Canary Island Date Palms rising above a shrubby border of India Hawthorn, Oleander, Carob, and Tobira.
"In the parking lot divider east of the Auditorium grows a row of New Zealand Christmas Trees (Metrosideros excelsa) with two Myoporum at the north end.
High School
"Proceed along Pico from 4th St. The first trees seen are along the girl's gym and are Eucalyptus citriodora, the lemon-scented Gum with its smooth almost while bark which can be quite dark and reddish at shedding time. The shrubs are Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata' with green and white varigated leaves, and Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) a member of the dogbane family that has edible fruit. The small trees are Queensland Pittosporum (P. rhombifolium). Turn the corner to the left at the Girl's Gym and on the right are: two Canary Island Pines, three Redwood Trees, and a Karo with gray foliage. The very tall trees there are Torrey Pines (Pinus torreyana) which have five stiff long needles. These are native to the San Diego Coast and are rare here in the city. Near the amphitheater is a large Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) with several small ones in the clump near by.
"At the Boy's Gym is another Torrey Pine then many Canary Island Pines. The trees that are not Pines are Liquidambar (L. styraciflua) also called Sweet Gum. The shrub along the west wall of the rehearsal room is Snail Seed (Cocculus laurifolius) with interesting three-veined leaves. Follow the walk going east, the large Eucalyptus with the pendant branches is a Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Just beyond are three Lemon-scented Gums, while against the rear wall of Barnum Hall are more Snail Seed.
"Turn south at the eastern end of the amphitheatre; the tree to the right is Magnolia grandiflora while to the left is more Canary Island Pine, then three Indian Laurel Figs (Ficus microcarpa) whose leaves are more rounded than those of Ficus microcarpa nitida, some Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) in planters, and a row of Jacaranda. To the south of the diagonal walk near the rest area are four Evergreen Pear (Pyrus kawakami), and two Canary Island Pines. At each end of the bench is a well trimmed Eugenia (Syzygium paniculatum). The large tree with the stiffly rigid leaves is a Bunya-bunya (Araucaria bidwillii), while the two trees with the red fruit are Strawberry Trees (Arbutus unedo). The fruit is edible but rather insipid. Also there: a large Blue Gum, two Aleppo Pines (Pinus halepensis), a Coral (Erythrina caffra) with burnt orange flowers, two rather sad California Bay, and a lovely Grecian Laurel (Laurel nobilis) with striated bark in grays shading from light to dark. Beyond are two sycamores while along the upper walk on the inner side is a row of Sweet Shade (Hymenosporum flavum) which is a near relative of the Pittosporums and whose flowers have similar characteristics.
"Go out to Pico and enter again at 6th St. The large feather palms to be seen are Canary Island Palms. The large trunked Fan Palm is Washingtonia filifera, a California native. To the left are clumps of Bamboo while the nicely trimmed trees are Indian Laurel Fig (Ficus microcarpa nitida) which lends itself to such treatment. To the right are dark green twisted trees, Hollywood Juniper (Juniperus chinesis 'kaizuka'). Against the wall near the History Building grow Jacarandas. The four fig trees in planters near the Administration Building are the Rusty-leaf Fig (Ficus rubiginosa). On the left is a Monterey Pine with needles in three. On the lawn near the Business Building are two Ash. Against the History Building is a well trimmed hedge; the taller shrubs are Eugenia, the shorter dark ones are Viburnum while flanking the door on each side is Abelia grandiflora with white tubular flowers, and reddish sepals that look like petals. Nestled in a corner where the wall and Business building join is a purple-flowered shrub, Solanum rantonnetii.
"At the north end of Barnum Hall is a Desert Gum (Eucalyptus rudis) and Carob Trees. Across the walk toward the tennis courts are two Brisbane Box (Tristania conferta) with red bark peeling to show a gray to bright green beneath. Primrose Trees (Lagunaria patersonii) are seen along the tennis court. In the center turn around is an Olive (Olea europaea). Turn now toward Michigan, first is Coral (Erythrina caffra), to the right is a row of Oleander. The large trees in the planters are Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla). At the Technical Building are two rows of Ficus rubiginosa, (note the much darker one in their midst). On the right is a row of Red Gum followed by Carob.
"At 7th Street is Pittosporum undulatum whose leaves are wavy along the edge; a couple of Strawberry Trees; Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia); the white flowering shrub is privet (Ligustrum japonicum) whose flowers have only two stamens as do all members of the Olive family. Nearer the building is a Monterey Pine.
"Continue south. All the young, light green, two-needled pine near the Art Building are Aleppo (Pinus halepensis). The tall tree standing alone is a nut tree tentatively identified as a Pecan (Carya illinoinensis). Fruit which would quickly verify it has not been seen. The small tree to the west is a Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia). In the front of the English Building are two Dragon Trees (Dracaena draco).
"In the cluster at 7th and Pico are: first Toyon, then Japanese Pittosporum (P. tobira), then more Strawberry, Carob, a Blackwood Acacia, a Torrey Pine with its five stiff needles, and a very large old Pink Melaleuca (M. nesophila). Nearer the building is Queensland Pittosporum (P. rhombifolium).
"Growing along the Pico side of the Library and Languages Building are: young Monterey Pine (to know it in its mature state check 14th Street), Melaleuca quinquenervia with spongy paper-like bark. The trees with leaves in a flat plane are a cross between Monterey Cypress and Alaska Yellow Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). It more closely resembles its Chamaecyparis parent with its flat leaf sprays, and grows rapidly in youth. Beyond are more young Monterey Pines.
Street Index to The Trees of Santa Monica
- Second Street (Strand to Marine) Lemon Bottle Brush
- Third Street
(Pico to Ocean Park) Primrose, Podocarpus
1917? Third . . . Black Locust
2316 Third . . . Crape Myrtle
2301 Third (Mary Hotchkiss Park) . . . Italian Stone Pine, Needle Bush
2447 Third . . . Row of Sapote; Fig
(Ocean Park to Marine) . . . Lemon Bottle Brush
Fourth Street (Civic Center to Marine) Mexican Fan Palm, Lemon Bottle Brush, Indian Laurel Fig
- (And Strand) . . . Myoporum
- 2300 Fourth . . . New Zealand Christmas Tree
- 2311 Fourth . . . Lemon-scented Gum
- 2412 Fourth . . . Queen Palm, Hollywood Juniper, Italian Cypress
- 2427 Fourth . . . Milkbrush, Brisbane Box
- 2505 Fourth . . . White Alder
- 2628 Fourth . . . Loquat
- (And Pier) . . . Flame Tree
Fifth Street (Bay to Ocean Park) . . . Holly Trees, Bottle Trees, Orange Pittosporum, Indian Laurel Fig, Canary Island Date Palm, Mexican Fan Palm
- 2313 Fifth . . . Italian Stone Pine, Rusty-leaf Fig
- Los Amigos Park . . . Acacia dealbata, Red-flowering Eucalyptus, Blackwood Acacia, Desert Gum
- 2400 Fifth . . . California Pepper
- 2424 Fifth . . . Chinaberry Tree
- 2434 Fifth . . . White Bottle Brush
- (Ocean Park to Marine) . . . White Bottle Brush, Mexican Fan Palm and two Camphor
- 2635 Fifth . . . Madeira Bay
Sixth Street (Pico to Hollister) . . . Podocarpus
- 2009 Sixth . . . Australian Tea Tree; Santa Cruz Ironwood
- 2028 Sixth . . . Angel's Trumpet
- (Hollister to Ocean Park) . . . Podocarpus, Mexican Fan Palm, Bottle Trees
- 2506? Sixth . . . Desert Gum
- (Ocean Park to Pier) . . . White Bottle Brush
- 2639 Sixth . . . Kaffirbroom
- (And Hill) . . . Italian Stone Pine (529)
Beverly Street . . . Magnolia, Red-flowering Eucalyptus
- 2434 Beverly . . . Eugenia
- 2456 Beverly . . . Karo
- 2512 Beverly . . . Handflower Tree
- (And Ocean Park Blvd.) . . . Red Gum
Seventh Street (Hill and Raymond) . . . Ailanthus (on east)
Michigan Avenue (7th to Lincoln) . . . Indian Laurel Fig?
Bay Avenue (Ocean to 6th) . . . Mexican Fan Palm
- 235 Bay . . . Fruiting Banana, Spanish Bayonet
- 242 Bay . . . Windmill Palm
- 507 Bay . . . Castor Bean
- (And Sixth) . . . Blackwood Acacia
- (Sixth to Lincoln) . . . Lemon Bottle Brush
Pacific Avenue (Ocean to 6th) . . . Podocarpus, Red-flowering Eucalyptus
- 230 Pacific . . . White-flowering Eucalyptus
- (6th to Lincoln) . . . Mexican Fan Palm, Sycamore
- 620 Pacific . . . Guadalupe Palm
- (NE Corner of 7th) . . . Paper Mulberry; Sugar Gum
Strand Avenue (Ocean to Neilson Way) . . . New Zealand Christmas Tree
- 132 Strand . . . Cupressocyparis (False Cypress)
- (Neilson Way to 3rd) . . . White Bottlebrush
- (Second at Church) . . . Vitex
- (Third to Lincoln) . . . Podocarpus
- 5111/2 Strand . . . Shamel Ash
- 521 Strand . . . Dutch Elm
- 601 Strand . . . Redbud, Sweet Shade, Ginkgo
- 631 Strand . . . Redwood
- 637 Strand . . . Locust
Pine Avenue (To Lincoln) . . . Podocarpus, Bottle Tree
Cedar Avenue (7th to Lincoln) . . . Indian Laurel Fig
- 700 Cedar Avenue . . . Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven)
Ocean Park Boulevard (Ocean to Lincoln) . . . New Zealand Christmas Tree; Windmill Palm
Hill Street (2nd to 4th) . . . Windmill Palm
- (4th to Lincoln) . . . White Bottle Brush; Windmill Palm
- 427 Hill . . . Dragon Trees
Raymond Avenue (4th to Lincoln) . . . Lemon Bottle Brush, Camphor
- 413 Raymond . . . Cape Pittosporum
- 631 Raymond . . . Pecan
- (SE Corner of 7th) . . . Fruitless Mulberry
- 701 Raymond . . . Lombardy Poplar
Ashland Avenue (Ocean to Lincoln) . . . Indian Laurel Fig
- 519 Ashland . . . Locust
- 727 Ashland . . . Acacia subporosa (rare)
- 730 Ashland . . . Rubber Tree
Pier Avenue (4th to Lincoln) . . . Podocarpus
- 418 Pier . . . White Alder
- 625 Pier . . . Pink Cedar
- 723 Pier . . . Drooping Melaleuca
Marine Avenue (West of Lincoln) . . . New Zealand Christmas Trees, Podocarpus
Navy Avenue (6th to Lincoln) . . . Podocarpus
- (SE Corner of 7th) . . . Silk Oak
Lost Trees
Some New Locations
- 434 Pier . . . Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gum)
- 650 Pier . . . Duranta Erecta (Sky Flower)
- 650 Pier . . . Tipuana Tipu
- 22091/2 Main . . . Euphorbia tirucalla ( Milkbrush)
The New
Additional Street Trees
- Lincoln Boulevard (Pico to Pacific) . . . Liquidamber styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
(Pacific to Ocean Park . . . Tristania conferta (Brisbane Box)
(Ocean Park to Marine) . . . Liquidamber styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
Pico (Ocean to 4th) . . . Mexican Fan Palms
- (4th to Lincoln) . . . Melaleuca quinquenervia
Ozone (Highland to Lincoln) . . . Melaleuca quinquenervia
Civic Center Parking Lot . . . Metrosideros excelsa, New Zealand Christmas Tree; Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Red Ironbark
[There are streets missing; there are trees missing on given streets; there have been many developments over time]