Pygmy Cypress
Hesperocyparis pigmaea
- Native to:
- United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Hesperocyparis
- Species:
- Hesperocyparis pigmaea
- USDA Symbol:
- HEPI11
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Argyrotaenia cupressae
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Serotinous cones open after fire; seeds germinate on mineral soil in post-fire conditions.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to coastal regions with fog influence
Propagation & Germination
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