Taxonomy

Division:

Coniferophyta | - Conifers

Family:

Cupressaceae

Genus:

Hesperocyparis

Species:

Hesperocyparis stephensonii

USDA Symbol:

HEST10

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

1500 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from basal buds after fire damage, though fire can be devastating to small populations. Listed as critically endangered partly due to fire risk.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained sandy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to chaparral and dry slopes

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.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI