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Common Name: Arizona Cypress

General Information

Cupressus arizonica is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-western N. America - California to Texas and New Mexico, south to Mexico.

Habitat

Rocky or gravelly soils of canyons and ravines, 1000 - 2650 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Thrives in a well-drained loamy or peaty soil[]. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and of drought[]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[] but is then more subject to insect damage in a succession of dry seasons[]. Requires a sunny position[].
A fast-growing and long-lived tree in the wild[], this species is the hardiest member of the genus[], though it is still somewhat tender in Britain, at least in the north of the country[]. It succeeds in most of Britain once it is established[]. The sub-species A. arizonica glabra. (Sudw.)Little. is a very hardy form, thriving in any soil from chalk to acid sands, this is the form most commonly grown in Britain[].
Trees are fairly fast-growing in Britain, new growth takes place from late May until mid-September and can reach 60cm per year on young trees[].
Cultivated as a timber tree in Italy and occasionally in other parts of Europe[]. The young tree has an attractive pyramidal shape and is widely grown as a Christmas tree in its native range[].
The seed takes two summers to develop[]. Mature cones often remain closed on the tree[], only opening after the heat of a forest fire[].
Plants are subject to injury by the wind[, ].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Trees are very drought tolerant and are planted on slopes in its native range in order to prevent soil erosion[].
Wood - soft, close-grained[]. Hard, heavy and durable according to another report[]. Used for general construction and fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[]. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can store for several years[].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame[]. mid spring is the best time to take cuttings[].