Description

The Santa Cruz Island ironwood is one of the jewels from the Channel Islands that has found wide use in California landscapes. In prehistoric times this tree was widespread on the mainland. The rise of the coastal mountains and subsequent drying of the interior eliminated it from all but the Channel Islands. Despite its narrow natural range it thrives in a variety of settings, tolerating winter temperatures to 20 degrees F. Santa Cruz Island ironwood grows as a vase-shaped tree to about 25 feet with attractive red, peeling bark, deeply lobed compound leaves and large clusters of bright white flowers. Ironwood prefers a sunny setting with medium to well-draining soils. Inland settings require more shade protection. An excellent small tree, perhaps having only the disadvantage of persistent seed pods. These may remain on the tree for years.