A few towns and cities along the Southern California coast are particularly noted for their historic events and landmarks, and Santa Barbara is one of those places. While the majority of historic landmarks in the area are structures associated with the early settlement of the town, there is one that stands out from the rest. Santa Barbara's famous Moreton Bay Fig Tree is over 145 years old and is a unique natural historic landmark in the Golden State. In fact, it's one of the oldest trees in Southern California!
As a small sampling, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, also known as Ficus Macrophylla, was brought by an Australian sailor to the town of Santa Barbara in 1876 and has since thrived in the Mediterranean-like climate of this coastal town. Having been designated as a State Historic Landmark in 1970, it is given special nourishment and is protected by law from being cut down.
A sign posted on the tree's perimeter tells the story of this beloved landmark. The sapling was a gift to a young local girl. A year after she planted it, it was relocated to the land where it now grows, at the corner of Montecito Street and Chapala Street.
The car in the photo provides excellent perspective when compared to the size of this old fig tree and its roots. The branches have a span of over 175 feet!
A protective barrier now sits around the base of the tree, and visitors are asked to admire it from outside the barrier.
Unlike other giant California trees, such as the Sequoia redwoods in the north, the Moreton Bay Fig's branches have grown very thick and reach out from low on the trunk, making for amazing views and photos.
The above-ground roots, which are actually extensions of the tree's trunk, are fascinating in both size and shape. They reach out nearly as wide as the tree's canopy and resemble octopus legs.
This historic tree produces what are called "diminutive figs," which can technically be eaten but are not commercially cultivated. The fruit is sweet but much smaller than the common fig and has large coarse seeds.
The Moreton Bay Fig is related to the commonly called "Edible fig" that is cultivated and sold commercially, though such figs grow on much smaller trees.
Visitors can find the historic fig tree on a corner at the Santa Barbara train station.
This famous tree is not the only piece of historic interest on the property. Next to it sits an antique Southern Pacific railroad car.
There are several ways to visit this old tree in SoCal! While there is street parking in the area around the historic Moreton Bay Fig Tree, it is also on the route of multiple tours, including the Santa Barbara Trolley tour.
However you choose to get around, this is a one-of-a-kind sight in SoCal!
Have you visited this natural historic landmark in Southern California? Share your photos and stories with us!
To check out even more of the oldest trees in Southern California (and California in general), hike through this ancient forest. Or, check out a couple of other pieces of Santa Barbara history, El Presidio and Old Mission Santa Barbara before booking a weekend at this oceanside guest house.
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