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Cupressus arizonica - Arizona cypress

Scientific Family
Cupressaceae
Synonyms
Hesperocyparis arizonica, Callitropsis arizonica, Neocupressus arizonica, Cupressus arizonica ssp. arizonica
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
Yes

Plant Description

Origin
Native
Similar species
Cupressus glabra

Upright, straight, graceful, pyramid-shaped (widens with age), dense tree with conical crown and stout, horizontal branches low to the ground. Moderate growth rate.

Resinous aromatic evergreen tree with stout erect or horizontal branches. Leaves scale-like, opposite. Male and female cones on separate branches of same tree. Female cones nearly spherical; woody scales spread apart at maturity, seeds winged.

Height
90 feet
Width
30 feet

Habitat

Habitat description

Found in canyon bottoms and on mountain slopes, pinyon-juniper woodlands and chaparral. Found near streams, canyons and slopes. Common in Oak Creek and Verde River canyons.

Plant Community
Interior Chaparral
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Riparian
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
7000

Leaves

Leaf color
Gray-green to blue-green
Leaf type
Scales
Leaf shape
Other
Leaf margin
Other
Leaf attachment
Alternate & Opposite
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Evergreen

Leaves are scale-like, overlapping and glandular; dusty green to gray-green or sometimes with a waxy resinous coating appearing blue-green. Leaves clasp the stems in opposite or alternate pairs.

Flowers

Flower shape
Other
Tubular
No

Gymnosperm, does not have flowers. Heavy pollinator.

Flower clusters
None

Fruit

Fruit color
Green to brown or gray
Fruit type
Cone or cone-like

Female cones are round, about 1 inch in diameter with 4 to 8 pointed scales. Initially smooth, green, turning brown when mature. Cones open at maturity and release winged seeds; open cones may remain on branches for several years. Male cones are small.

Bark/Branches

Bark color
Gray to reddish-brown
Bark texture
Shreddy or peeling

Shreddy and peeling in long strips to reveal gray and reddish-brown patches. Older bark may develop a fine, shallow furrowed pattern or reveal a mottled patchy look. Very similar to Cupressus glabra which is distinguished by its smooth red bark.