Jessie Keith
Family
Cupressaceae
Botanical Name
CUPRESSUS macrocarpa
Plant Common Name
Cypress
General Description
Picturesque, windswept specimens of this iconic native of California's Monterey Peninsula are often depicted in art and photography of the area. Narrow and conical when young, this evergreen conifer eventually forms a broad pyramidal tree. It has deep green scale like leaves, small cones and a very stout trunk.
A favorite in sunny gardens in its native range, this large tree fails in most other regions. Fast growing, sturdy, and quite wind resistant, it makes one of the best candidates for windbreaks along the blustery northern and central California coast. Trees take well to pruning or shearing. Where allowed to grow naturally they can reach truly massive proportions and thus may not be suitable for smaller yards. This is a first class selection for coastal open space, parks and recreational areas.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Pyramidal
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Platy
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Usage
Feature Plant, Screening / Wind Break, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
