Related to the (slightly) better known genus Araucaria, Kauri may be the conifer that can pass most easily as a broad-leafed tree. Native to rainforest areas of Australia and certain Pacific islands, kauris, particularly A. australis, can grow to magnificent size. I know of only one tree in the area, located in the Sac State arboretum. Unfortunately most of its upper trunk was removed for reasons unknown, so it is not the best specimen. There are several better examples scattered about California, so it might be worth trialing more in Sacramento.
Kauris reportedly do not like drought, but should be hardy enough for our area. San Marcos Growers report their tree (A. robusta) survived 18 degrees without damage. Like most conifers, they reportedly prefer well-draining soil, which can be hard to come by in the Sacramento valley. In the wild they are threatened by Phytophthora, which tends to like warm, wet conditions, though it's unknown if that particular species (P. agathidicida) is present in California. Regardless, careful site selection and elevation of the planting site might be advisable.
Kauris reportedly do not like drought, but should be hardy enough for our area. San Marcos Growers report their tree (A. robusta) survived 18 degrees without damage. Like most conifers, they reportedly prefer well-draining soil, which can be hard to come by in the Sacramento valley. In the wild they are threatened by Phytophthora, which tends to like warm, wet conditions, though it's unknown if that particular species (P. agathidicida) is present in California. Regardless, careful site selection and elevation of the planting site might be advisable.