Monterey Cypress
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
- Native to:
- Puerto Rico, United States
Yogdes
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Hesperocyparis
- Species:
- Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
- USDA Symbol:
- HEMA22
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Argyresthia franciscella, Argyresthia trifasciae, Argyrotaenia cupressae, Coleotechnites stanfordia, Cydia cupressana, Cypress tip moth (Argyresthia cupressella), Epinotia cupressi, Epinotia hopkinsana, Epinotia subviridis, Henricus macrocarpana, Herculia phoezalis, orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Notes:
- Monterey cypress is fire-sensitive and does not resprout after fire; mature trees may be killed by intense fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained sandy loam
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to coastal regions with poor soil fertility
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with cold stratification. Light is not required for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI