Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Hesperocyparis

Species:

Hesperocyparis forbesii

USDA Symbol:

HEFO10

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

2500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts weakly or not at all after fire; populations regenerate primarily from seed following stand-replacing fires. Historically fire-maintained but sensitive to frequent burning.

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 — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with cold stratification; fire or heat may enhance germination in some populations.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI