N.California tree I can plant?

Question

Since I moved in I have had to remove 2 trees. I feel that I owe two. Im looking for something to plant. Some preferences (tho I doubt anything would fill all)
A) native
B) rare
C) does not need watered
D) useful in some way

Im more likely to award to people giving sites, or new keywords I can search on

Answer 1

Try California Flora Nursery in Fulton (just north of Santa Rosa): www.calfloranursery.com

Try Mostly Natives in Tomales on the coast of Marin County: www.mostlynatives.com

Try Cornflower Farms in Elk Grove, they have tons of native plants and specialize in native habitats. They don't have their list up on the site yet but email them and see if you can get a list or catalogue sent. It's worth it. There are primarily a wholesale grower but they are open some Saturdays and will also be able to help with native questions and such: www.cornflowerfarms.com

Hope this gives you a start!

Answer 2

First I would like to thank you for feeling the need to give back where you have had to take away from our earth!!

Any tree you plant will need plenty of water the first year until the root have become established. You will also have to decide whether you want a tree which loses it's leaves if so oaks are very useful to many wild critters, if not pines are critter loving trees too. Don't forget those nut trees, pecans are falling now and people and critters are out gathering up those nuts right now. Holly are beautiful trees during the winter with their red berries and the birds love them. Dog wood is one of my favorite! They have great shape and beautiful flowers and berries.

the Arbor day foundation's web-site has some great advise and can maybe help you narrow down your tree choice. Best of luck!
http://www.arborday.org/

Answer 3

Plant a Monkey Puzzel Tree. Your far enough up north that it will grow,and there arn't that many in California. Besides ,their pretty cool looking. Byee

Answer 4

How about western serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/27.htm

Or, since you did not list "ornamentally attractive" among your criteria, I'll suggest Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) if you're dry, or blue elderberry (Sambucus cerulea) if you get much rain.
http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/620.htm
I think elderberries are attractive, but some think they're weedy-looking.

Las Pilitas Nursery is in Central California, but you don't say where in N Calif. you are. Other native specialists should have these.