Monterey Cypress
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
- Native to:
- Puerto Rico, United States
iNaturalist: © diego4nature (iNaturalist #9903615)
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:
- High
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- 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
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Thick bark provides some fire resistance; serotinous cones release seeds after 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 — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)