Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Hesperocyparis

Species:

Hesperocyparis goveniana

USDA Symbol:

HEGO3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

2500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Gowen cypress is fire-sensitive as mature trees but populations regenerate from seed following fire. Serotinous or semi-serotinous cones may open after fire events.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to coastal California, adapts to sandy soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification. Germination can be erratic; fresh seed germinates best.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI