By Harrison Power
Not only do iconic buildings dot Modesto’s skyline, but so do its notable trees. From the Mary Grogan Oak Grove Woodland, to the numerous parks around town, to the tree-lined neighborhoods with Modesto Ash, Sycamore, Pistache, and Ginkgo, Modesto is a Tree City USA. Providing bountiful character and color during the fall season and ample shade during the summer, Modesto’s urban forest is far reaching and includes some unique varietals – perhaps none more eyecatching or ear-catching than the towering evergreen conifer at the southeastern corner of Graceada Park: the Bunya Bunya Tree.
Buyna Bunya trees, scientifically named Araucaria bidwilli, are originally native to Australia and were introduced in compatible climates like California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an exotic ornamental evergreens for gardens and parks. Known for their distinctly spiny branches, dome-like canopy, and heavy large-sized cones, a few bunya bunya trees can be found in and around Modesto.
Modesto’s Bunya Bunya Tree was dedicated on April 17, 1916 by the Modesto chapter of the Native Sons of the Golden West as part of its 39th Annual Grand Parlor Session reception hosted in Modesto for over 500 members from across California, reflected in a plaque found at near the base of the tree. At the time, it was incorrectly identified to be a Monkey Puzzle Tree, and had actually already been present in Graceada Park prior to the Native Sons’ dedication, possibly making the tree older than estimated.
Graceada Park had originally contained at least two additional bunya bunya trees, located near the old playground, however those were ultimately removed to reduce potential hazards to children some time between 1959 and 1961. To address the concern of large bunya bunya cones falling from the remaining Bunya Bunya Tree, a planterbed was installed around the base of the tree in 1989 to keep parkgoers clear of the cone zone.
Even though Graceada Park was deemed a City Landmark in 1991, the Bunya Bunya was designated City Landmark #46 as a standalone historic resource by the City Council in November 1998. As of that time, the tree was estimated to be approximately 116 feet tall, making it one of if not the tallest trees in Modesto, and was thought to be at least 82 years old. Going off of the age estimation, the Bunya Bunya Tree as of 2026 would be at least 110 years old, but could be even older if it was already planted prior to its 1916 dedication!
As we celebrate our beautiful and unique natural resources around us, especially during Earth Month, we can take stock of the majestic and historic trees that grace Modesto’s skyline. To learn more about how to participate in efforts to support Modesto’s treescape and highlight the notable trees around us, contact Urban Forest Modesto at urbanforestmodesto@gmail.com!
