Torreya californica

Rarely seen in cultivation, this unusual conifer is endemic to California. Found in the coast ranges and foothills of the Sierra Nevada, where it is scattered here and there, usually in cool habitats of canyons and steep ravines. Growing at a leisurely pace 15 to 40 ft. tall with dark- green, stiff, rather broad needles. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees, with cream colored pollen cones on the males and unusual plum-like fruits on the females, which become purplish with age. Does well in part shade with moderate to little watering. Useful as a specimen tree or pruned into a hedge. An excellent container plant too.