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Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress)

Monterey Cypress, Cupressus lambertiana, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa

Cupressus macrocarpa, Monterey Cypress, California Cypress, Evergreen Tree, Evergreen Conifer
Cupressus macrocarpa, Monterey Cypress, California Cypress, Evergreen Tree, Evergreen Conifer

Picturesque, Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) is a fast-growing, large evergreen conifer of narrow and pyramidal habit in youth, becoming wide-spreading and irregular with age. Its foliage is rich dark green through the seasons and is not resinous. The ravishing bark is pale reddish-brown with shallow ridges, splitting into grayish, scaly plates. The globose, shining greenish-brown cones, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are usually solitary, on a short, thick stalk. Native to the Central Coast of California, Monterey Cypress has a high wind tolerance, becoming increasingly more attractive under heavy wind conditions. It is extensively planted in the coastal districts of southern Australia as a barrier against the ‘Roaring Forties’ winds.

  • Grows up to 40-70 ft. tall (12-21 m) and 20-80 ft. wide (6-24 m).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates dry conditions.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, hedges, and screens, Mediterranean gardens, or coastal gardens. Makes an excellent windshield in coastal areas.
  • Low maintenance, no pruning required.
  • Susceptible to coryneum canker when grown inland away from cool coastal winds.
  • Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to California.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Heat Zones 7 - 11
Climate Zones 17
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Cupressus
Common names Monterey Cypress
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 70'
(12.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 20' - 80'
(6.1m - 24.4m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Salt
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cupressus cashmeriana (Kashmir Cypress)
Cupressus arizonica (Arizona Cypress)
Cupressus x leylandii (Leyland Cypress)
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar)
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ (Nootka Cypress)
Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
37 Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy and Year-Round Interest
Cypress Tree: Popular Varieties and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Heat Zones 7 - 11
Climate Zones 17
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Cupressus
Common names Monterey Cypress
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 70'
(12.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 20' - 80'
(6.1m - 24.4m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Salt
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cupressus (Cypress)
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Cupressus (Cypress)
Not sure which Cupressus (Cypress) to pick?
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