Arizona Cypress | Hesperocyparis arizonica

Scientific Name

Hesperocyparis arizonica

Common Name

Arizona Cypress

Photo of Hesperocyparis arizonica.

Photo: M. Ritter, J. Reimer and C. Stubler courtesy of SelecTree

Tree Description

Hesperocyparis arizonica, (syn. Cupressus arizonica) Arizona cypress, is a medium sized rounded pyramidal conifer. It has attractive bluish scale like needles and beautiful exfoliating bark. It's heat and drought tolerant and fast-growing.

Tree Size
Medium
Height at Maturity
30ft–40ft
Width at Maturity
15ft–20ft
Growth Rate
12-36 inches/year
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Conifer
Sun Exposure
Sun
Part-Shade
Water Needs
Low Water
Potential Issues

Susceptible to Juniper Blight, relatively short-lived (30-50 years).

Field Trial Monitoring Results

Excellent potential utility as an urban tree based on evaluation of 15 trees, healthy crown, 100% survival, fast growth rate. Signs of chlorosis on one individual. Some of our field trial plants blew over in a winter wind storm.

Propagation Results

We trialed sowing fresh seed immediately in greenhouse and fresh seed put into 90 day cold stratification in sand in the refrigerator. We got similarly mediocre germination with both treatments, but cones produce abundant seeds. Seedlings are fast-growing.

Additional Images
Photo of Hesperocyparis arizonica.