Skip to content
Log inStart trial

California Nutmeg

Torreya Californica

Design with this plant

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 2–9Type Conifer, Tree
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — While the California Nutmeg is slow-growing; creating a unique visual interest
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 47California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — and produces plum-like seeds with kernels reminiscent of nu™eg; ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches longCalifornia Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — When incorporating Torreya californica into a design; its slow growth and conical form make it ideal for focal pointsCalifornia Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — These needles carry a striking arrangement along the stemsCalifornia Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — yet low-maintenance addition to their landscape; while the California Nutmeg is slow-growingCalifornia Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — yet low-maintenance addition to their landscape+64

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
2–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Conifer, Tree
Family
Cephalotaxaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (71)

California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — While the California Nutmeg is slow-growing; creating a unique visual interest
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
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) — When incorporating Torreya californica into a design; its slow growth and conical form make it ideal for focal points
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — These needles carry a striking arrangement along the stems
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — yet low-maintenance addition to their landscape; while the California Nutmeg is slow-growing
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — yet low-maintenance addition to their landscape
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) — creating a unique visual interest; plum-like seeds dangle from the tree's branches
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — commonly known as California Nu™eg; and produces plum-like seeds with kernels reminiscent of nu™eg
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) — is an evergreen tree found in the wild up to 49 ft tall but usually smaller in landscapes; adding both texture and
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — making it a noble choice for a client's garden that pursues a stately
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — When incorporating Torreya californica into a design
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — dark green needles approximately 1 to 2 inches in length
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) — 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
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — adding both texture and density to the garden's greenery; growing natively in the California mountains
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — creating a unique visual interest
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — The California Nutmeg requires minimal maintenance once established
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — Resembling true nutmeg in appearance; conifer / tree for full
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — While the California Nutmeg is slow-growing
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — Growing natively in the California mountains; dark green needles approximately 1 to 2 inches in length
Photographs by 9 contributors

Related plants

20Th Century Pear (Pyrus Pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki') — Revered for its prolific white blooms in spring and lustrous green foliage

Tree

20Th Century Pear

Pyrus Pyrifolia 'Nijisseiki'

FullUSDA 4–8
Accolade Elm (Ulmus 'Morton' Accolade™) — It thrives in USDA Zones 5-8, in full sun to partial shade, and is adaptable to varied soil types

Tree

Accolade Elm

Ulmus 'Morton' Accolade™

FullUSDA 4–9
Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma') — Drought and mildew resistant, it's an ideal choice for accent planting in USDA zones 6-9

Tree

Acoma Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma'

FullUSDA 6–9
Acrocona Dwarf Spruce (Picea Abies 'Acrocona') — this slow-growing tree thrives in full sun to partial shade

Conifer

Acrocona Dwarf Spruce

Picea Abies 'Acrocona'

FullUSDA 4–7
Afghan Pine (Pinus Eldarica) — is a versatile and robust conifer well-suited to arid and semi-arid climates

Conifer

Afghan Pine

Pinus Eldarica

FullUSDA 7–10
African Fern Pine (Afrocarpus Gracilior) — creating a soft texture that can soften the sterner lines of urban architecture

Tree

African Fern Pine

Afrocarpus Gracilior

FullUSDA 9–10