David Gress
February 2026 Tree of the Month: Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Bauhinia blakeana When people first experience a Hong Kong Orchid Tree up close, they find it hard to believe any tree could be covered with so many lovely orchid-like flowers that fill the air with such a wonder fragrance! The…
January Tree of the Month: Evergreen Pear Tree
Pyrus kawakamii The blossoms of the Evergreen Pear Tree were exceptionally vibrant in Santa Barbara this year, although somewhat short-lived, due to early rains that were followed by surprisingly hot and dry days. The Evergreen Pear creates a remarkable display…
December Tree of the Month: Norfolk Island Pine
Araucaria heterophylla Santa Barbara’s skyline is punctuated with the upper spires of handsome trees commonly called “Norfolk Island Pine”. Because of their star-shaped top whorl of branches, they have another common name, “Star Pine”. The most easily recognized one in…
November Tree of the Month: Chinese Lantern Tree
Koelreuteria bipinnata From summer through late fall, the Chinese Lantern Tree provides a spectacular display of color. It begins with spikes of brilliant yellow flowers - and continues as the flowers transform into luminous seed pods that resemble tiny Chinese…
October Tree of the Month: Carob Tree
Ceratonia siliqua Because its native region is the Arabian Peninsula, the Carob Tree is, not surprisingly, incredibly drought- and heat-tolerant. What is surprising is its lush evergreen foliage and tropical look. In the late 1860s, this interesting tree was introduced…
September Tree of the Month: African Tulip Tree
Spathodea campanulata Considered by many horticulturists to be the most beautiful flowering tree in the world, African Tulip Trees are now putting on their best show of glorious blooms in Santa Barbara. In 1908, one of our local pioneering nurserymen,…
August Tree of the Month: Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia is a broad-leafed evergreen tree that has been widely planted in Santa Barbara since its introduction here in the late 1800s. The magnificent specimens standing on San Andres Street are now over 100 years old. This…
July Tree of the Month: River She-Oak
Casuarina cunninghamiana River She-Oak is an evergreen tree that can be considered a master (or a mistress?) of illusion. It has a pine-like appearance - but is not a pine at all. It isn’t even any type of conifer (a…