The Arizona Cypress ( Cupressus arizonica ) is an evergreen perennial tree that is native to the southwest states of America and Mexico. It is medium sized tree that is becoming popular as a bonsai specimen due to its adaptable branches and bluish-green foliage. It is also a somewhat popular Christmas tree in the drier, more arid American states, such as Texas and Arizona because of its drought tolerance and pine like branches, that have a snowy look from their bluish colour.
Considering this species is native to hot dry regions, it will surprise some people to learn that it is reasonably cold tolerant. This species will grow in most climates with the exception of colder climates. It is frost tolerant down to -10°C / 14°F once established but not as a juvenile plant.
Check out our other Cypress pages including the Italian Pencil Pine, Golden Swanes Conifer and the Kashmir Cypress.
Growth
Cupressus arizonica is a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 25 metres (82 feet), with a spread of up to 8 metres (26 feet) wide. The trunk can grow to approximately ½ metre (1.6 feet) in diameter and its branches grow horizontally. The foliage of the Arizona Cypress is pine like, with layered almost scaly looking needles. Foliage ranges from a grey-blue colour to a blue-green.
This species grows in a Christmas tree (conical) shape when young but becomes more rounded at the top with age.
FAMILY:
Cupressaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate – Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10 to 44°C / 14 to 112°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun to Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 25 metres (82 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 8 metres (26 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Wind. Monoecious
SEXUAL MATURITY:
15 years
GERMINATION RATES:
68-90% dependent on length of cold stratification period.
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold stratification for 4 weeks, post sowing germination from 30-90 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 60
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CUPRESSUS ARIZONICA (Arizona Cypress)
If you would like to plant one of these in your garden it will outlive you and your grandchildren, living on average about 500 years.
The Cupressus arizonica is often planted as an ornamental feature plant or as a wind break tree and although it does have timber uses; it is not a species that is commercially grown for this purpose.
The Arizona Cypress has been used historically for fence posts and cabin building.
