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Discover the remarkable trees that make San Francisco’s neighborhoods, parks, and streets come alive.
San Francisco’s cool Mediterranean climate supports a surprising urban forest—one filled with California natives, striking ornamentals, and unusual trees from around the world. In this new edition of The Trees of San Francisco, author Mike Sullivan introduces more than 60 of the city’s most common, distinctive, and beautiful trees, combining engaging descriptions with color photographs and specific places to see notable specimens.
Designed for residents, visitors, walkers, gardeners, naturalists, and anyone curious about the city’s leafy landmarks, this inviting guide makes it easy to identify trees and appreciate the stories behind them. Each tree profile highlights key features, seasonal interest, natural history, and landmark San Francisco locations, while lively sidebars explore the city’s rich tree culture and urban forest.
The book also includes a dozen self-guided walking tours through memorable neighborhoods such as the Castro, Pacific Heights, and the Mission, linking outstanding trees with local sights and hidden corners of the city. Whether you’re strolling through Golden Gate Park, exploring a favorite neighborhood, or taking a closer look at the tree outside your door, The Trees of San Francisco offers a fresh way to experience one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Book Features:
- Identify more than 60 of San Francisco’s most common and fascinating trees.
- Find landmark trees throughout the city with recommended viewing locations.
- Explore a dozen self-guided walking tours through iconic neighborhoods.
- Learn the natural history, origins, and surprising stories behind native and exotic trees that thrive in San Francisco’s unique climate.
Mike Sullivan moved to San Francisco in 1984. In the early 1990s, he joined a local tree planting organization called Friends of the Urban Forest as a volunteer, later serving on the group’s board of directors for 12 years and as president of the board for several years. Mike served on the San Francisco Urban Forestry Council from 2003 to 2005 and on the Recreation and Park Commission from 2007 to 2010. He lives in San Francisco’s Parnassus Heights neighborhood with his family.
Preface
Introduction
The Trees
Walking Tours
The Best Trees
Selected Bibliography
Index of Trees by Common Name
Index of Trees by Scientific Name