Jerusalem’s distinct arboreal landscape reflects its unique geographical position and history. Situated in the Judean Hills, the city lies within a Mediterranean climate zone characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters, receiving an average of about 590 millimeters of annual precipitation. The semi-arid environment and rocky, calcareous soil present specific challenges, demanding species with exceptional drought tolerance. The trees that thrive here are a mix of ancient cultivated species and hardy evergreens, shaped by ecological pressures and centuries of human cultivation. The resulting flora provides a living record of the region’s past while adapting to the demands of a modern city.
Dominant Evergreen Trees of the Landscape
Afforestation efforts, notably by the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), largely define the hillsides surrounding Jerusalem. These projects heavily favored hardy, fast-growing conifers capable of stabilizing rocky terrain and surviving long, dry periods. The most visually dominant species resulting from this work is the Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis). This conifer is prized for its ability to thrive in the region’s poor, shallow soils and its rapid growth rate, reaching heights of 5 to 15 meters.
The Aleppo Pine is a successful pioneer species in this environment, regenerating primarily from seeds that are often released following the heat of a fire, a process called serotiny. Its prevalence, however, is a matter of 20th-century ecological planning, as pollen surveys suggest it was relatively rare in the region until mass planting began. Alongside the pine, the Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) forms a characteristic vertical element of the landscape. This evergreen is exceptionally well-adapted to the hot, dry conditions and rocky substrates of the Judean Hills.
The cypress often develops a deep taproot system, which allows it to anchor firmly and access water deep underground, contributing to its remarkable longevity. Its dense, dark-green foliage and conical or columnar shape make it a distinctive and enduring feature, especially when planted along roads or in cemeteries. These two species, the pine and the cypress, dominate the uncultivated and reforested areas, visually transforming the bare limestone slopes into the familiar green belt of the Jerusalem region.
Ancient and Historically Significant Species
The species deeply woven into the cultural, agricultural, and religious history of Jerusalem are largely fruit-bearing trees cultivated for millennia. The Olive Tree (Olea europaea) stands out as the most enduring symbol, known for its longevity. This slow-growing evergreen is exceptionally drought-resistant and produces the fruit and oil that have been a staple of the Mediterranean diet and economy since antiquity.
The Fig Tree (Ficus carica) is another species with profound biblical and agricultural importance, counted among the seven species of the land. This deciduous tree is known for its broad, lobed leaves and its sweet, pear-shaped fruit. Fig trees are typically harvested twice a year and often indicate a reliable water source, as they require more moisture than the olive to flourish.
The Carob Tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a native evergreen valued for its shade and its resilient nature. Its fruit, a dark brown, elongated pod that takes a full year to ripen, was historically used as animal fodder, a source of syrup, and a chocolate substitute. The carob is also prized for its fire-resistant properties, which naturally help to prevent the spread of wildfires. The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is also historically significant; its fronds are used in religious ceremonies like the Feast of Sukkot, and its fruit serves as an ancient source of sustenance.
Trees of the Modern Urban Environment
Within the city limits, contemporary municipal planning has introduced species chosen primarily for ornamental value, rapid growth, and shade provision in parks and along boulevards. Among the most noticeable of these introduced species are various types of Eucalyptus, mainly Australian natives like the River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). These trees were initially introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for their fast growth and prodigious water consumption.
In the modern urban context, different Eucalyptus varieties are utilized for their versatility, rapid canopy development, and for enriching the flowering season for local beekeepers. Another popular ornamental choice is the Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), a subtropical species native to South America. It is widely planted for its spectacular display of violet-colored flowers that bloom in the spring.
The Jacaranda’s fast growth and ability to handle the heat make it a favored choice for street planting, despite its deciduous nature and high maintenance needs regarding leaf drop. These non-native species, along with other ornamental choices like citrus and pepper trees, reflect a contemporary horticultural approach focused on aesthetics and immediate urban utility rather than traditional agricultural or ecological restoration. They stand in contrast to the slow-growing native species, marking the city’s evolving relationship with its challenging climate.