Arizona Cypress
Hesperocyparis arizonica
- Native to:
- Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States
CK Kelly https://www.inaturalist.org/people/ck2az (www.inaturalist.org)
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
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:
- Mature trees can survive low-intensity fires; however, severe fires can be detrimental. Historically adapted to infrequent fire regimes in arid mountain habitats.
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 — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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