Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Hesperocyparis

Species:

Hesperocyparis sargentii

USDA Symbol:

HESA17

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

1500 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:

Killed by fire but often associated with fire-prone chaparral; closed-cone species that may release seeds after fire or extreme heat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to serpentine soils; tolerates drought

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

21–60 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold stratification. Germination can be irregular.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI