La Habra Heights in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Original Hass Avocado Tree
Photographed by Craig Baker, May 5, 2018
1. Original Hass Avocado Tree Marker
Through its progeny, this tree, planted in 1926 by Rudolph Hass, has played an important role in the development of the California avocado industry.
Erected 1973 by California Avocado Society, California Historical Society, and La Habra Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 33° 57.281′ N, 117° 57.989′ W. Marker is in La Habra Heights, California, in Orange County. It is on West Road half a mile west of Hacienda Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 426 West Road, La Habra CA 90631, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers
this page online
Regarding The Original Hass Avocado Tree. This tree died in 2002 at the age of 76. The remaining pieces are saved in the barn of a tree nursery.
Every Hass avocado tree today is descended from this tree. The Hass was patented in 1935 and the patent expired in 1952.
The name Hass was often misspelled and mispronounced as Haas.
The marker can be seen in what is now the front yard of a home, which has a low fence around it.
Also see . . .
1. PBS SoCal - Lost LA. Lost LA Season 9 Episode 2: How One Tree in La Habra Heights Launched a Global Avocado Industry. (11-minute video clip) (Submitted on July 24, 2026.)
2. History of the Tree, on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)
Photographed by Craig Baker, May 5, 2018
2. Original Hass Avocado Tree Marker
circa 1990
3. Original Hass Avocado Tree and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, May 5, 2018
4. Dedication Plaque Below the Marker
courtesy PBS SoCal, 2026
5. Original Hass Avocado Tree
The remaining pieces are saved in the barn of a Ventura tree nursery, awaiting the decision on a fitting commemoration.
circa 1950
6. Rudolph and Elizabeth Hass at The Original Tree
Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,562 times since then and 165 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on July 24, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on May 10, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
