RARE TREES
Last updated September 2026. Download/print this list:   .pdf
  • We have a selection of interesting trees you won't find elsewhere, all container-grown!
  • NOTE: Pot sizes and availability are subject to change, as we often need to move small plants up into larger pots, and some items sell out.
  • To purchase plants, visit on one of our open days or email us at mail@desertnorthwest.com to set up an appointment.

Araucaria araucana
MONKEY-PUZZLE TREE
2" band pot - $24
1 gallon pot - $32

This iconic tree needs little introduction.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Archidasyphyllum diacanthoides
TREVO TREE
3 gallon pot - $54

Rare spiny evergreen Asteraceae tree from Chile, to 50' tall. Hardy to about 5 - 10°F. One left.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Aristotelia chilensis
CHILEAN WINEBERRY
4" pot - $22
3 gallon pot - $54

A fast-growing evergeen tree from Chile that produces edible fruit.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Ceanothus thrysiflorus 'Oregon Mist'
BLUEBLOSSOM CEANOTHUS
1 gallon pot - $22

Because we all need a tree-sized Ceanothus.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris'
COLUMNAR PORT ORFORD CEDAR
4" pot - $22

Narrow tree with dense cypress-like growth, best in cool regions.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Oregon Blue'
BLUE PORT ORFORD CEDAR
New (returning) August 2026!
1 gallon pot - $24

This large tree is a good performer on the north Olympic Peninsula.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Chamaecyparis lawsoniana [unknown cultivar]
BLUE PORT ORFORD CEDAR
4" pot - $22

Not sure the name of this tree-sized cultivar, but the blue (almost purple) color is astounding.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Cryptomeria sinensis
CHINESE CRYPTOMERIA
1 gallon pot - $24
(one left)
2 gallon pot - $48

This large, rare conifer performs well in the Northwest.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Cupressus pseudohimalaica
WEEPING HIMALAYAN CYPRESS
1 gallon pot - $32

Tree with very fine, graceful weeping foliage! Hardy to about 5 - 10°F.

Embothrium coccineum
CHILEAN FLAME-TREE
4" pot - $24
1 gallon pot - $32

Tree to 50' covered in spectacular screaming-red flowers in May, rare, hardy to 5 - 10°F. These look GREAT now.
Full description >>

Eucalyptus bridgesiana
APPLE BOX
2 gallon pot - $48

Very cool heart-shaped juvenile leaves clasp stem. Fast and easy! 15°F.
Full description >>

Eucalyptus camphora
MOUNTAIN SWAMP GUM
2 gallon pot - $48

Fast grower with unique rounded pendulous green leaves. First time we have offered this species!
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus coccifera
MOUNT WELLINGTON PEPPERMINT
New August 2026!
4" pot - $24

Small tree with contorted habit, native to Tasmania at high altitudes; hardy to around 12°F.

Eucalyptus cordata
HEART-LEAVED SILVER GUM
4" pot - $22

Stunning tall pyramidal tree retains silvery foliage into adulthood. Hardy to around 15°F.
Full description >>

Eucalyptus dalrympleana
MOUNTAIN WHITE GUM
4" pot - $22

A tall and fast-growing tree with smooth white bark.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus glaucescens
TINGIRINGI GUM
New (returning) August 2026!
4" pot - $28

Large tree, very silvery round juvenile leaves, hardy and difficult to find. Seed from Olympia, originally from selected cold-hardy provenance.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus glaucescens x dalrympleana
4" pot - $22

Tall and fast-growing cold-hardy hybrid Eucalyptus.

Eucalyptus gunnii [silver form]
CIDER GUM
4" pot - $22

This Tasmanian species is among the most popular cold-hardy Eucalyptus.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus lacrimans [Nungar Plain form]
WEEPING SNOWGUM
4" pot - $26

One of the hardiest eucalypts; with smooth bark, thick leaves, weeping habit.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus mannifera [alpine form]
BRITTLE GUM
3 gallon pot - $72

Medium tree with smooth white trunk, rare offering.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus neglecta [Upper Buckland River form]
OMEO GUM
4" pot - $24

Seedlings from my tree in Olympia that grew to a huge size with amazing purple leaves.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus parvula
SMALL-LEAVED GUM
3 gallon pot - $60

Cute small leaves, summer flowers, dense growth, excellent performer in the Northwest.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. debeuzevillei
JOUNAMA SNOW GUM
4" pot - $26

Tree to 50' with smooth white bark, pale gray-green leaves, oustanding ornamental. Only a few left.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila
SNOW GUM
4" pot - $24

Evergreen tree to 40' with attracive smooth bark and thick leaves, always appealing.

Eucalyptus perriniana
SPINNING GUM

Victoria, BC collection (cultivated)
4" pot - $24

Amazing perfoliate juvenile leaves encircle the stem completely.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus rubida
CANDLEBARK GUM
4" pot - $22

Exotic looking tree with smooth white bark, hardy to around 12°F. Hybrid seedlings also available.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucalyptus subcrenulata hybrids
ALPINE YELLOW GUM
4" pot - $22

These are hybrids, not the pure species. Expect trees with deep green leaves, smooth showy bark, variable habit, hardy.

Eucalyptus urnigera
URN GUM
4" pot - $24

An uncommon hardy Eucalyptus species native to Tasmania.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucryphia x nymansensis 'Nymansay'
1 gallon pot - $28

Evergreen tree from Chile producing a spectacular show of white flowers in late summer.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Eucryphia x intermedia 'Rostrevor'
4" pot - $22
1 gallon pot - $26

This semi-evergreen small tree flowers heavily in late summer.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Fokienia hodginsii
1 gallon pot - $32

Rare Vietnamese conifer, sometimes grouped under Chamaecyparis. One left.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Fraxinus anomala
SHINGLELEAF ASH
4" pot - $20
1 gallon pot - $24

Interesting small tree native to the Intermountain West.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Hesperocyparis abramsiana
SANTA CRUZ CYPRESS
New (returning) August 2026!
4" pot - $20

Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. opleri
4" pot - $20

This large, fast growing and drought tolerant tree deserves wider use. A few of each form are available.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Hesperocyparis bakeri
MODOC CYPRESS
New (returning) August 2026!
4" pot - $22

Northernmost native cypress in USA, endemic to Siskyou/Klamath region, rare, slow growing, fine drought tolerant ornamental tree. They're small.

Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
MONTEREY CYPRESS
1 gallon pot - $22
2 gallon pot - $44
(one left)

This iconic tree of coastal California does well in the Pacific Northwest.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Junipuerus recurva var. bhutanica
BHUTAN JUNIPER
4" pot - $24

Upright pyramidal small tree with beautiful weeping branches; easy to grow. The name is tentative.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Luma apiculata [Nahuel Huapi, Argentina/hardy]
PALO COLORADO
4" pot - $22
1 gallon pot - $24
3 gallon pot - $54

Spectacular evergreen tree with small leaves, showy white flowers, edible fruit and colorful peeling bark. This hardy selection is a Cistus Nursery introduction.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Luma chequen
4" pot - $20

Chilean evergreen tree with small aromatic leaves, white flowers, hardy to about 10°F.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Lyonothamnus floribundus var. aslpenifolius
New (returning) August 2026!
4" pot - $22
1 gallon pot - $26
2 gallon pot - $48

Evergreen tree with unique fern-like leaves, coarse stringy bark, white flowers. Protect from hard freezes when young.

Pinus ponderosa IB1000 [Thorp, WA]
PONDEROSA PINE
4" pot - $16
1 gallon pot - $18
small treepot - $22

Widespread large conifer found throughout the Interior West.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Podocarpus hallii
4" pot - $24

Yew relative native to New Zealand, gets large eventually. Hardy to about 5°F.

Podocarpus salignus
WILLOW-LEAF PODOCARPUS
New (returning) August 2026!
4" pot - $22
1 gallon pot - $26

Easy to grow with beautiful foliage, this rare tree has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Wow!
Full description >>

Polylepis australis
TABAQUILLO
4" pot - $26
1 gallon pot - $32
2 gallon pot - $54
3 gallon pot - $72

Impress your HOA with this rare and enigmatic tree from the high Andes!
Full description >>

Polylepis tomentella
4" pot - $28
1 gallon pot - $32
2 gallon pot - $64

Super rare tree with amazing bark and rugged character!
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus agrifolia
COAST LIVE OAK
small treepot - $24

Who wants a dead oak when you can have a live oak?

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus arizonica
ARIZONA OAK
1 gallon pot - $28

Slow-growing small tree with bluish leaves, native to southwest US and Mexico but grows easily here.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus chrysolepis IB1084
CANYON LIVE OAK
[IB1299] 2.5" band pot - $18
[IB1084] small treepot - $28

The two collections available are similar. This western native oak deserves much wider use in Washington.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus crassipes
3.5" band pot - $24

Evergreen Mexican oak, dusky foliage, rare, no damage at 6°F.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus douglasii IB1283 [Shasta County, CA]
BLUE OAK
2.5" band pot - $18

California native tree, deciduous with blue leaves, likes heat.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus douglasii x garryana IB1290 [Shasta County, CA]
2.5" band pot - $18

Interesting natural hybrid of two western oak species.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus engelmannii
ENGELMANN OAK
New August 2026!
1 gallon pot - $26
2 gallon pot - $48

Medium sized evergreen tree with blue leaves, always attractive, drought resistant. Native to Southern California but hardy here. Only a few available.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus faginea
PORTUGESE OAK
1 gallon pot - $22
2 gallon pot - $44

This Mediterranean oak is seldom cultivated in North America; drought tolerant. Few available.

Quercus garryana
GARRY OAK, OREGON WHITE OAK

IB382 Local collection [Sequim, WA]
2.5" band pot - $16
1 gallon pot - $18
large treepot - $36

IB477 Cold-hardy collection [Yakima County, WA]
2.5" band pot - $18
large treepot - $40

Cold-hardy collection [Klickitat County, WA]
small treepot - $20

This drought resistant Washington native is an important component of prairie ecosystems.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus garryana var semota x Q. douglasii IB1287 [Shasta County, CA]
2.5" band pot - $18

Interesting natural hybrid of two western oak species.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus gravesii
1 gallon pot - $28

Rare Mexican evergreen to semi-evergreen oak that grows easily here.

Quercus hypoleucoides
SILVERLEAF OAK
2" band pot - $26
(they're small)
2.5" band pot - $32
large treepot - $48

One of the finest ornamental trees we can grow; easy and hardy.
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus kelloggii IB1023.2 [Butte County, CA]
CALIFORNIA BLACK OAK
small treepot - $20

Drought tolerant Oregon and California native.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus mexicana
MEXICAN OAK
small treepot - $24

Just one left!

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus rhysophylla
LOQUAT OAK
3.5" band pot - $26

Medium broadleaf evergreen tree with large, rough-textured leaves; unique.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus sp. aff. diversifolia
3 gallon pot - $54

Rare tree; not sure what it will do. Take a chance!

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus trojana
TROY OAK
1 gallon pot - $28

A large, fast-growing, and drought tolerant deciduous Mediterranean oak.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Quercus vaccinifolia
HUCKLEBERRY OAK

IB1329 [Josephine County, OR]
small treepot - $24

IB1311 [Humboldt County, CA, dwarf form]
small treepot - $24

Uncommon evergreen oak from Siskyou Mountains with good ornamental appeal. Sometimes shrubby, this selection is more upright; expect a decent size tree.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Tamarix parviflora
SPRING-FLOWERING TAMARISK
4" pot - $18

This isn't the invasive one in Washington. Might need some training to assume tree stature.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Thuja koraiensis
1 gallon pot - $28

Slow-growing relative of our native Western Redcedar with silver-backed scales.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Thuja plicata 'Colvos'
COLVOS WESTERN REDCEDAR
4" pot - $18
2 gallon pot - $40

Selected by Colvos Creek Nursery, this distinct clone has coarse dark-green foliage and a dense growth habit.

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Thuja plicata 'Stoneham Gold'
STONEHAM GOLD WESTERN REDCEDAR
4" pot - $20

Variegated golden foliage on this selection of our native Western Redcedar.

Thujopsis dolabrata
ELKHORN CEDAR
2 gallon pot - $54

description
Full description >>

(detailed information and photos not available yet) Trachycarpus wagnerianus
New (returning) August 2026!
4" pot - $24

Similar to windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) but with smaller, stiff leaves; choice, hardy to 5 - 10°F.

PAYMENT and DELIVERY OPTIONS
Updated spring 2025

To purchase plants here at the nursery, please e-mail me at mail@desertnorthwest.com to set up an appointment, or visit on one of the nursery open days. I can either pull your order in advance, or you can shop through the greenhouse. However, shoppers ought to be aware that the nursery setup is not extremely retail-friendly, with many plants being unlabeled; and it can get very hot in the greenhouses on warm, sunny days.

Payment options include cash or check (preferred), PayPal, or credit/debit card. I will also accept payment in Bitcoin or Monero if paid in advance, and will offer a slight discount: please inquire if interested.

Delivery

For larger orders, I will deliver plants right to your door, if you prefer. For this service advance payment is required. I will schedule a delivery time that works for you via e-mail.

  • Orders over $200: FREE delivery to Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend.
  • Orders over $400: FREE delivery to Kitsap County, or anywhere within 90 minutes of Sequim (and not involving a ferry ride), if you don't mind waiting a week or two.
  • Outside of this area: Delivery is possible, but larger minimum order and delivery charges will apply. Please inquire.

Reseller/landscaper customers

I don't track cumulative purchases; however, a quantity discount is available for one-time purchases over $500. Please inquire. Payment by cash or check is required to be eligible for the discount; no credit/debit cards or PayPal please.

*Note on pot sizes: We're going by vernacular usage when using terms such as "1 gallon", "2 gallon", etc. The pot sizes are actually somewhat smaller than a true gallon, 2 true gallons, etc.

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  "Please do not inform me of what I know all too well; that a regular job interferes in the most disgusting way with a garden."          -Henry Mitchell