To qualify for designation as a Heritage Tree, a tree must possess significant historical value, which could be tied to a city, person, or event. Our trees meet this criterion as they were either already present on the homestead property of the Watts House or planted around the time when the house was being constructed in 1902.
Heritage Trees
Tree #1:
Western Red Cedar
Tree #1: Western Red Cedar – Giant Arborvitae (Thuja plicata)
Approximately 125 years old
The Western Red Cedar, scientifically known as Thuja plicata, is a fascinating tree species native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Renowned for its longevity, some specimens can live for over a thousand years. Beyond its impressive lifespan, it holds cultural significance for Indigenous peoples who have traditionally utilized it for a myriad of purposes, including building materials, medicine, and ceremonial objects. Additionally, its natural resistance to decay and insects has made it a valuable timber species in modern construction.
Our Cedar, exhibiting robust health, promises to grace the landscape for many years to come. Notably, this tree features prominently in a photograph of the Watts Family's new home from 1902, standing a mere 2-3 feet tall at the time—a testament to its enduring presence in the original landscaping scheme.
A later snapshot from around 1915 captures the tree's growth, then reaching a height of 4-6 feet. Today, it towers impressively at approximately 110 feet tall, a living monument to time and resilience.
Trees #2 and #3: Pacific Yew or Western Yew
Trees #2 and #3: Pacific Yew or Western Yew (Taxus brevifolia)
Aged approximately 100 to 110 years, these trees represent a significant chapter in natural history, with roots tracing back to the Paleotaxus Rediviva yew, imprinted on fossils from the Triassic era over 200 million years ago. As enduring symbols of ancient resilience, they embody the continuity of life across millennia. Beyond their historical significance, the Pacific Yew, an evergreen conifer, harbors remarkable medicinal properties.
Notably, the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (taxol), vital in treating breast, ovarian, and lung cancers, can be derived from Taxus brevifolia and other yew species. Despite the Pacific yew's scarcity, its therapeutic potential was recognized around the 1990s. However, large-scale commercial harvesting was never pursued due to its diminishing population. It wasn't until circa 2003 that a semi-synthetic pathway from extracts of cultivated yews of other species enabled the widespread use of paclitaxel.
ABOVE, LEFT: Tree #2, the larger of the 2 Pacific Yews is located in the front lawn to the right of the pathway when walking towards the front door.
ABOVE, RIGHT: Tree #3 grows near the back entrance and carport to the rear of the Watts house.
Tree #4:
Common Horse Chestnut
Tree #4: Common Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum, known as the Common Horse Chestnut, is a majestic deciduous tree native to the Balkans, known for its striking appearance and distinctive palmate leaves. Reaching heights of up to 100 to 130 feet, it boasts showy flowers with white or pink petals arranged in upright clusters, captivating observers during spring. Its fruit, prickly capsules containing shiny brown seeds known as "conkers," further enhances its allure. While prized for its ornamental value and cultural significance, it's also been utilized in traditional medicine. Despite threats from diseases like the horse chestnut leaf miner and bleeding canker, efforts persist to preserve this cherished species. However, caution is advised as its seeds contain the poisonous compound aesculin, requiring careful handling to avoid ingestion.
The original tree was planted during the era of the Watts Family's residence in their home. After reaching nearly 100 years old, it succumbed to disease and unfortunately needed to be removed. But….the story does not end there!
A generous community member (Huge thank you to Mike Sykes) successfully propagated a new tree, born of cuttings from the original tree. Much like Groot, this tree's legacy and heritage continues to grow.
Tree #5:
Douglas Fir
Tree #5: Douglas Fir or Green Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii
Approximately 120 years old, Tree #5 shares a similar historical significance to the Watts Family's residence as the other trees on the property. While we lack an early picture of this tree, its age suggests it was likely planted during the construction or early years of the family's new home.
The Douglas Fir, or Green Douglas Fir, is an evergreen coniferous tree, retaining its green foliage throughout the year. Native to the Pacific Northwest, Douglas Fir trees in this region can reach impressive sizes and ages, with some specimens living for hundreds of years. This longevity is attributed in part to the damp, mild climate of the region, which fosters optimal growth conditions for these majestic trees.
The Douglas Fir, renowned for its versatility and adaptability, holds significant ecological and economic importance. It serves as a vital component of forest ecosystems, providing habitat for diverse wildlife species and contributing to soil stabilization. Additionally, its strong and straight trunk makes it a prized timber species for construction, furniture making, and paper production. The tree's distinctive pyramid-shaped silhouette and fragrant needles add to its allure, making it a beloved symbol of the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty.
