Eugene, Oregon, is lucky to have many special trees that grew here naturally for a very long time. These trees got used to the weather and soil here, and they’re part of what makes Eugene a great place. We’ll talk about 10 of these special trees and what’s cool about each one.
1. Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana)
Why It’s Special: Mighty and Long-Lived
Oregon White Oak trees are tough and can live for a really long time. They have leaves that change to a pretty golden color in the fall.
2. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Why It’s Special: Oregon’s Tree Star
The Douglas Fir is Oregon’s official tree. It’s a tall tree with pointy cones and needles that smell good.
3. Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)
Why It’s Special: Beautiful Red Bark
The Pacific Madrone has smooth, reddish-brown bark that peels off to show green underneath. It’s a lovely tree to look at.
4. Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Why It’s Special: Really Big Leaves
The Bigleaf Maple has some of the biggest leaves you’ll see on a maple tree. In the fall, its leaves turn yellow and orange, making it colorful.
5. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Why It’s Special: Strong Wood and Good Smell
The Western Red Cedar is famous for its strong wood and the nice smell it has. People have used it for a long time.
6. Vine Maple (Acer circinatum)
Why It’s Special: Delicate and Layered
The Vine Maple is a small tree with thin branches that make it look delicate. In the fall, it has red and orange leaves.
7. Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)
Why It’s Special: Pretty Spring Flowers
The Pacific Dogwood has pretty white or pink flowers in the spring. People love how it looks.
8. Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
Why It’s Special: Helps the Ground
Red Alder is important because it helps the soil by putting something called nitrogen in it. Its leaves turn yellow in the fall.
9. Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
Why It’s Special: Droopy Branches
The Western Hemlock is known for its branches that droop down. It likes cool and wet places.
10. Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Why It’s Special: Really Tall
The Sitka Spruce is a super tall tree. It’s often near the coast and is part of big, rainy forests.
These trees are not just pretty; they’re also important for the animals and the air we breathe. The next time you see them in Eugene, remember how special they are.
