Native trees

Out of all trees that grow in Sacramento, native trees provide the most benefits.

If you are thinking about planting a tree, consider planting a native tree to maximize the benefits it provides and leave a lasting gift to future generations and our wildlife.

Sacramento's native oaks

Our native oaks are the iconic trees of California's natural landscape. Thousands of wildlife species depend on these oaks for food and shelter, and they also provide immense health and environmental benefits to neighborhoods surrounding them.

lobata

Blue oak

Quercus douglasii

In eastern Sacramento County, blue oaks are well adapted for our Mediterranean weather patterns and thrive with wet winters and hot, dry summers. If this natural pattern is interrupted or altered (for example by the addition of irrigation within the area surrounding the tree), the blue oak will decline and not live out its potentially centuries-long lifespan. 

Valley oak

Quercus lobata

The valley oak is the largest tree in the valley. These trees love to grow in the deep soils left by the meandering rivers and flooding cycles of the past. Though highly adaptable, they will grow in almost any of our valley soils if treated with care. These large trees prefer to keep their roots dry in the summertime and do not appreciate heavy irrigation.

Quercus lobata - valley oak
An interior live oak in a naturalistic residential front yard.

Interior live oak

Quercus wislizeni

The interior live oak is the most common evergreen oak in the valley. This tree sports two different leaf forms with young foliage having spiky edges and older foliage having smooth edges. Though similar to its cousin the coast live oak, the interior live oak is better suited to our extremely hot summers.

Other native trees in Sacramento

Some of the other native trees that are common in our area include:

Get free native trees for your property! If you are a SMUD customer, we can provide a free landscape consultation and up to 10 free shade trees. Sign up to schedule an appointment.

Get involved

Together, we are making a difference in growing and stewarding natural habitats throughout the Sacramento region. With your help, we plant over 3,000 native trees every year in both reforestation sites and at homes, businesses, parks, and schools.