Richmond residents invited to help pick city’s official native tree

Richmond is looking for a tree to call its own, and the city wants residents to help make the choice.

An online survey, approved by the City Council in June, asks the public to select Richmond’s first official native tree. The winner will be honored with a planting and celebration at Civic Center Plaza.

The shortlist was created by the Urban Forest Advisory Committee, a group of residents working to support the city’s Urban Greening Master Plan. Committee members weighed drought tolerance, adaptability to Richmond’s varied microclimates, disease resistance, and ecological value before narrowing the list to four contenders.

California buckeye: A striking tree with fragrant spring blossoms, silvery bark, and ornamental fall nuts that support pollinators and wildlife.

Coast live oak: A majestic evergreen, considered a keystone species, that provides food and shelter for hundreds of bird, moth, and butterfly species.

Ray Hartman ceanothus — A compact evergreen that bursts with blue flowers in late winter, attracting pollinators and thriving with little water.

Hollyleaf cherry: A glossy, holly-like tree whose small cherries feed wildlife and have been used historically as food and medicine.

Each tree also has deep cultural and historical connections. Acorns from coast live oaks were a staple food for many California Native peoples, while buckeye seeds were used for food and tools after careful preparation.

City staff said the project aims not only to beautify Richmond’s civic center but also to raise awareness of the role native trees play in supporting the region’s ecology.

The survey is open until September 22 at 4 p.m.

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