10 Endangered Trees You Should Know About

Whether you’re a major tree hugger or you’re simply curious about the environment around you, learning about the endangered species of trees and plants can be a good place to start. Many of these trees are in need of protection, and it’s important to devote resources and attention to the beauties of the natural world just like them. No matter what part of the environmental conversation interests you the most, you can check out these beautiful trees and learn all about them.

1. Magnolia Tree

Even though you might be used to seeing magnolia trees all over the place — especially when they bloom in the springtime — you might be surprised to learn that they are technically endangered. Although they aren’t nearing extinct quite yet, logging activity continues to threaten their health within their ecosystems. 

2. Maple Leaf Oak

Unfortunately, these oak trees with unique leaves are also threatened by deforestation. Not to be confused with the standard maple tree, these maple-leafed beauties are on the endangered species list and have been for a while, after being promoted to species status in 1990.

3. Florida Yew

Also known as the taxus floridana, the Florida yew is specifically native to an already small surface area on the eastern side of the Apalachicola River in mesophytic forests of northern Florida. Unfortunately, these trees are considered to be critically endangered.

4. Longleaf Pine

This is one of a few of a variety of pine trees. These pines are specifically native to the southeastern United States, and although they aren’t considered critically endangered, their population is actively decreasing. You can usually easily identify them by their long needles and fluffy appearance. 

5. Fraser Fir

Find these beautiful trees in Appalachia, where they are native and flourish. You might be reminded of a Christmas tree in these, and if so, you aren’t wrong. These trees are considered to be the perfect holiday tree by many. However, they are endangered, so it is important to look after them, even if they might seem plentiful from the outside. 

6. Florida Torreya  

Yet another Florida tree, the Florida Torreya is another tree within the yew family, which is considered to be endangered. Not only are these trees in trouble, but they are technically considered to be critically endangered.

7. Catalina Mahogany

These mahogany trees are another tree that’s considered to be critically endangered. These beautiful blossoms are a part of the rose family, and are appropriately titled, as they’re native to Catalina Island. They’re often called the Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany tree. With their unique seasonal blooms, it’s difficult to miss these beautiful trees in the wild.

8. Gowen Cypress

Also known as the cupressus goveniana or the dwarf cypress, the Gowen Cypress tree is considered to be endangered, but not yet critically endangered. These trees are around 30 feet tall on average, but can grow taller depending on the environment and specific circumstances. These trees are native to California.

9. Bois Dentelle

Native to India, these trees and the delicate white flowers that grow on them are considered to be extremely beautiful, but also endangered. In the 1990s, it was reported that only ten or fewer of these trees were known to be actively growing. Because of this, the bois dentelle tree is considered to be critically endangered. 

10. African Blackwood

Although still a relatively common tree, it is important to note that the African blackwood tree is officially endangered. These trees can live up to 200 years and can even thrive in infertile soil. However, the illegal timber trade threatens these trees and their numbers, making them endangered. Unless something is done soon, these trees will continue to disappear from the 26 countries where they are most prevalent. 

Endangered Trees to Know About

No matter what your relationship is to trees, it’s important to learn about these details and how they function within the world around you. There are so many trees that are endangered, and it’s important to learn about them in order to do what we can to help the environment. Did you learn anything new from the trees on this list?