Tecate Cypress
Hesperocyparis forbesii
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © thesafarihiker (iNaturalist #330680697)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Hesperocyparis
- Species:
- Hesperocyparis forbesii
- USDA Symbol:
- HEFO10
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Argyrotaenia cupressae, Eupithecia macrocarpata, Gloveria arizonensis, Semiothisa orillata, ⚠️Thorne's hairstreak (Mitoura thornei)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Requires fire for germination
- Fire Notes:
- Serotinous cones require fire to open and release seeds; populations are fire-dependent for regeneration.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy; sow on well-drained medium and keep moist.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 90 days.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)