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Cupressus forbesii Jepson

Tecate cypress

Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)

Synonyms: Cupressus forbesii

USDA Symbol: cufo2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A small tree, usually 20 ft. high, with an irregular/spreading to tight/symmetrical crown, light-green foliage, and exfoliating, mahogany-red, polished bark.

The common name refers to Mt. Tecate near the Mexico border, where this cypress was first found in California. It used to be considered a subspecies of a tree native to Guadalupe Island, off the west coast of Baja California.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Flowers inconspicuous.

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: S. CA
Native Habitat: Dry, chaparral & canyon slopes; 1500-5000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Grows quickly to 12-15 ft., then slows to 2-3 in. of growth per year. Can easily be held at 15 ft. Drought tolerant.

Propagation

Description: Stratified seeds will germinate at 72 degrees. The percent of viable seeds is often low.
Seed Collection: Most cypresses have seratiunous cones that can hang on the trees for several years without opening. Cone should be collected by cutting them from the limbs. They can be opened by boiling for 30-60 seconds.
Seed Treatment: Cool-moist stratify for 30 days at 34 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Cupressus forbesii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Cupressus forbesii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cupressus forbesii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-09-26
Research By: TWC Staff

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