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Publication #ENH383

Cupressus macrocarpa: Monterey Cypress1

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2

Introduction

Monterey cypress thrive near the sea on the west coast of the United States, where it is native to the Monterey Bay, California, area. It has a high wind tolerance, becoming increasingly more attractive under heavy wind conditions. Narrow and pyramid-shaped when young, Monterey cypress spreads with age, and can become 70 to 90 feet in height. It is one of the major trees planted to hold the sands in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, but unfortunately many are dying. The plant is only grown in the western states.

Figure 1. 

Middle-aged Cupressus macrocarpa: Monterey Cypress

General Information

Scientific name: Cupressus macrocarpa
Pronunciation: koo-PRESS-us mack-roe-KAR-puh
Common name(s): Monterey Cypress
Family: Cupressaceae
USDA hardiness zones: 7A through 9B (Fig. 2)
Origin: native to North America
Invasive potential: little invasive potential
Uses:
Availability: not native to North America

Figure 2. 

Range

Description

Height: 40 to 70 feet
Spread: 30 to 40 feet
Crown uniformity: irregular
Crown shape: columnar, pyramidal
Crown density: moderate
Growth rate: moderate
Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite (Fig. 3)
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: entire
Leaf shape: scale-like
Leaf venation: none, or difficult to see
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: less than 2 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no color change
Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: yellow
Flower characteristics: not showy

Fruit

Fruit shape: round
Fruit length: .5 to 1 inch
Fruit covering: dry or hard
Fruit color: brown
Fruit characteristics: does not attract wildlife; not showy; fruit/leaves not a litter problem

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: branches droop; not showy; typically one trunk; thorns
Pruning requirement: little required
Breakage: susceptible to breakage
Current year twig color: green
Current year twig thickness: thin
Wood specific gravity: unknown

Culture

Light requirement: full sun
Soil tolerances: clay; sand; loam; slightly alkaline; acidic; well-drained
Drought tolerance: moderate
Aerosol salt tolerance: high

Other

Roots: not a problem
Winter interest: no
Outstanding tree: yes
Ozone sensitivity: unknown
Verticillium wilt susceptibility: resistant

Pest resistance: sensitive to pests/diseases

Use and Management

Cypresses can be grown from seeds sown in sandy, peaty soil or from summer cuttings in a humid greenhouse under mist.

Pests

Cypresses may be infested with aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, and scale insects. All can be controlled by washing with soap solution or with appropriate chemical spray.

Diseases

This tree is susceptible to coryneum canker fungus, for which there is no cure. Control of cankers consists chiefly in cutting out and burning affected parts. Badly infected trees may require complete removal.

Footnotes

1.

This document is ENH383, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date November 1993. Revised December 2006. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.