Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Hesperocyparis

Species:

Hesperocyparis bakeri

USDA Symbol:

HEBA5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

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 be killed by fire but populations persist through seeding; associated with fire-prone chaparral and montane habitats in California.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to volcanic soils with low fertility

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification and may germinate erratically over several weeks.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI