Читать книгу The Trees of San Francisco онлайн

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Catalina ironwood was first discovered in 1884 by William Lyon and named in his honor, as you can see from its scientific name, but it was pioneering nurseryman Francisco Franceschi who introduced this tree into the nursery trade. Upon finding that the tree was difficult to germinate from seed or branch cuttings, he set out to the Channel Islands to collect a full-grown specimen with large enough roots to permit root cuttings. Suspected as an outlaw by the Coast Guard, he was fired upon until his vessel began to leak. Furiously bailing water, he managed to reach Santa Barbara Harbor with his prize in hand. Young plants from this specimen were introduced to nurseries a few years later. Ironically, today this tree is planted worldwide, but is threatened in its native habitat of the Channel Islands as a result of grazing by introduced feral goats.

In addition to its interesting history, this tree has a distinctive appearance, with deep green, glossy leaves divided into three to seven leaflets. Each leaflet is deeply notched, giving a fernlike grace to the entire tree. The bark is reddish brown and peels into narrow vertical strips. In May and June, the tree produces small white blossoms that occur in large flat clusters 3–6 inches wide.