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.

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

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

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.