12 Common Tree Species in Spain: A Guide to Native Trees

The white fir is an evergreen tree native to the mountainous regions of Europe. In Spain, it grows in the Pyrénées, Montseny massif, and in regions like Navarra, Barcelona, Huesca, and Lérida. This tree is highly valued for its white wood, which is lightweight and low in resin, making it easy to work with by artisans, especially those crafting musical instruments like organs and those producing high-quality paper. It can reach heights of 20 to 50 meters.

The natural habitat of the pinsapo is in Andalusia, primarily in Málaga and Cádiz. It is endemic to the area and known as a “relic of the Tertiary coniferous forests.” As early as 1921, concerns about its vulnerability due to soil erosion arose, highlighting the need for national parks to protect its habitats.

This tree has significant scenic value, growing up to 25 meters tall and is scientifically relevant, being an endemic species with a restricted distribution.

The field maple is a deciduous tree that reaches heights between 7 to 10 meters. It is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, particularly rooted in the northern regions of Spain. This tree exhibits high drought resistance and thrives in poor soils. Its leaves are commonly used to feed livestock, while its wood is highly sought after by artisans due to its hardness and compactness.

The Montpellier maple is a medium-sized tree that typically grows between 7 and 10 meters tall. It can be found in Alicante, Ávila, and La Molata in Murcia. It blooms from April to May with modest peach-colored flowers. This tree can live up to one hundred years, although it has a slow growth rate. Its wood is valued among turners for its pink coloration and is utilized in high-end furniture when grown to a substantial diameter.

The maple is a smaller variety of maple that can grow up to 7 meters in height and is quite common in Mallorca. Its wood exhibits a pink or white-red coloration, making it a favorite among carpenters. It is also a good fuel source as it ignites easily. Additionally, it is highly valued in gardening, especially in autumn when its leaves display brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange.

This species thrives in the Mediterranean climate of Spain and is commonly referred to as quejigo. It is widespread across the peninsular region, especially in the Mediterranean zones of Valencia, but can also be found in Murcia and Málaga, with historical presence in Mallorca. It demonstrates remarkable drought resistance and can grow up to 20 meters tall.

Traditionally used for medicinal purposes, an infusion of its leaves can alleviate toothaches, gastritis, diabetes, and certain inflammatory conditions. Its wood is highly prized in making durable barrels renowned for their longevity.

Another type of tree native to Spain is the alder, commonly found throughout the peninsula, especially by lakes and rivers due to its preference for moist environments. This tree significantly enriches its soil as its roots contain nodules inhabited by bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby improving soil fertility. It typically reaches heights of 17 to 22 meters, with some growing up to 30 meters.

The strawberry tree is native to the Mediterranean region and western Europe, but can also be seen in other areas. For instance, it is found in the Pre-Pyrenees, Salamanca, Tarragona, and Jaén. It can grow from 8 to 10 meters in height. The tree produces edible fruits that are highly valued. Since 2003, it has been listed in the Spanish Catalog of Invasive Exotic Species due to its strong colonization potential, which threatens local species.

The common birch, also known as the European birch, originates from Eurasia but has adapted well to the Mediterranean basin. It features a slender trunk with white bark, which darkens and cracks at the base over the years. This tree can grow to heights of 10 to 30 meters tall.

Common birch is highly regarded for its healing properties; the fluid extracted from its cooked leaves acts as a diuretic, disinfectant for urinary tracts, and aids in relieving rheumatic discomfort and helping manage diabetes in non-insulin-dependent patients.

The common boxwood is native to the Mediterranean coast. It is considered a medium-sized tree, generally not exceeding 10 meters in height.

Valued for its landscaping properties, it retains its green foliage even in winter since it is an evergreen species. It is often used for ornamental hedges. The wood is dense and hard, ideal for crafting small detailed sculptures.

The chestnut tree is known for its fast growth and impressive height, reaching up to 30 meters. It also expands in width, creating ample space underneath its branches. Some specimens are so large that they can shelter several people inside. This tree can live for thousands of years, making it one of the longest-living trees.

For a long time, it was believed that the Roman Empire brought this tree to newly conquered territories about 2,000 years ago. However, recent studies of tree fossils and charcoal remnants demonstrate that chestnuts have existed in the area for over 300,000 years.

The European carob tree is also known as St. John’s bread. It can grow to 10 meters in height and is endemic to the Mediterranean basin, including substantial populations in Spain. Across the Iberian Peninsula, it can be found from Catalonia down to the Algarve region of Portugal.

The dried pods of the carob are highly valued in culinary applications, having a flavor similar to chocolate, while devoid of an enzyme called theobromine that can be toxic to some animals, including dogs and cats. Therefore, carob pods can safely be consumed by pets.

In conclusion, the variety of trees found in Spain not only contributes to the scenic beauty of the landscapes but also supports local ecosystems and offers numerous resources for traditional crafts, food, and medicine. Understanding the types of trees in Spain allows us to appreciate their value and importance in both ecological and cultural contexts.