When some plants are giving us the cold shoulder, one group of plants stay green through every season. Through good times and bad times, winter through summer our evergreens are ever-present! Evergreens are not just conifers; there are many species with unique features, beautiful blooms and interesting histories that make them a hot commodity. And for that, we think they deserve some extra love. Below are eight evergreens that keep our Garden looking lively year-round. 

    1. Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia)
      Our main squeeze, the lemonade berry is scattered throughout the Garden, especially when you head towards the middle of our 87 acres. It grows to be the size of a large shrub or small tree and has reddish stems with leathery, toothed leaves. This Southern California native plant blooms with clusters of small, fragrant flowers ranging from white to rosy-pink. The cute flowers give way to tart fruits that can be soaked in water to make a refreshing lemonade.
    2. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
      We’re not toying with your emotions when we tell you that toyon is a California native. This plant is also known as the Christmas berry or California holly and is part of the coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant communities. In the early summer, masses of small white flowers produce bunches of fruit that turn bright red from fall to winter – a striking contrast against the evergreen foliage. The fruits are a favorite snack for local birds and other wildlife.
    3. Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)
      In Ancient Greece, bay laurel branches were woven into crowns to honor triumphant athletes during the Pythian games and are still used in Olympic designs today. They are also used as a culinary herb. Sporty and a cook? What a catch! This aromatic evergreen thrives near the Dry Lake Bed and Amphitheater Lawn and is native to the Mediterranean. In late winter, its pale yellow-green flowers add subtle beauty, though the tree’s evergreen leaves make it a constant in our diverse plant collection. While it has culinary uses, we ask that you not pick or eat the leaves from the Garden.
    4. Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans)
      Who needs a sweetheart when you have a sweet olive tree?! These evergreens are a delight for the senses. Its flowers range from white to pale yellow to orange and have an aroma akin to juicy ripe apricots. Native to East and northern Southeast Asia, these flowers are beloved and used in many ways, from flavoring teas and desserts to lending floral notes to perfumes and cosmetics. Sweet olive leaves stay green all year, but bloom from fall through early spring – just when many other plants are taking a break. They can be found lining the ADA lot and Upper Meadow in the Garden.
    5. Moreton bay fig (Ficus macrophylla)
      The Moreton bay fig is always here to support us and lend a helping hand – er, branch. One of the Garden’s grandest features, the Moreton Bay figs fills the Banyan Grove with impressive buttress and aerial roots. Native to eastern Australia, this tree’s supporting root structures grow from its branches, slowly inching towards the ground, which ultimately become supplementary trunks. They help support the weight of their spreading crowns and act as a helpful anchor during cyclones (that’s hurricanes for us Northern Hemisphere-ians). Its vast canopy of evergreen leaves provides shade and beauty, making it a must-see in any season.
    6. Asian bayberry (Nageia nagi)
      The Asian bayberry is in a whirlwind romance! As the only conifer on our list, the Asian bayberry reproduces via cones – not flowers – and relies on wind for pollination. Once pollinated, cones swell into berry-like “fruits” with a baby blue hue. Native to China, Japan and Taiwan, this tree’s glossy dark green leaves remain vibrant year-round. The Asian bayberry can be found at the edge of Tram and Alpine Lane.
    7. Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis)
      The Chilean wine palm has a long history of wining and dining. Its sap is used for making wine and sweet palm syrup, and its fruit and seeds are also enjoyed as treats. But don’t get any funny ideas. The process of making wine and syrup from this palm is legally restricted because it requires cutting down the whole tree. The Chilean wine palm is near the Palm Lawn fence hiding behind an eucalyptus. Its robust trunk and majestic canopy add a tropical feel to the Garden.
    8. Atlas mountain palm (Chamaerops humilis var. cerifera)
      Atlas…we’ve made it to the Atlas mountain palm. With its silver-blue foliage, this species is a striking sight in the Palm Collection. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, this slow-growing palm forms clumps up to 12 feet tall. While its spikey fronds make this tree a little rough around the edges, this palm has a softer side. Its creamy yellow flowers appear in summer and are loved by nectar-seeking pollinators.

Whether you’re drawn to the fragrant blooms of the sweet olive or mesmerized by the towering elegance of the Moreton Bay fig, there’s always something green and beautiful to explore. Ready to fall in love with the Garden all over again?