Arizona Cypress
Hesperocyparis arizonica
- Native to:
- Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States
iNaturalist: © joeysantore (iNaturalist #8831821)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Hesperocyparis
- Species:
- Hesperocyparis arizonica
- USDA Symbol:
- HEAR22
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; serotinous cones are not present, but seeds can colonize after fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, tolerates drought
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 21–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow in well-drained seedbeds.
Pre-treatment: Leach the seed under a running tap for 24 to 36 hours. Place moist seed into self-sealing plastic bags and stratify from 45 to 60 days at 3 to 5 F.
Establishment: This species occurs on well-drained and gravelly sites at elevations of 3000 - 8500 feet. The eastern most location of this species is the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. The range continues through southern New Mexico and Arizona to portions of southern California. The southern portion of this species' range extends well into Mexico including the states of Durango, Chihuahua and Sonora. Typically this species can be found in the bottom and sides of canyons and arroyos, often on northern aspects.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)