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Common Name: Monterey Cypress

General Information

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

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - California.

Habitat

Cliffs by the shore in just 2 small locations in California[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Thrives in a well-drained loamy or peaty soil[]. Very tolerant of hot dry conditions[]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[] but is then more subject to insect damage in a succession of dry seasons[]. Requires a sunny position[]. Plants are not happy when growing on chalk, but they thrive on limestone[]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[, , ] but plants are not very wind firm in shallow soils[]. Young trees require staking when planted in very exposed positions[].
This species is somewhat tender in Britain, especially when young and at least in the north of the country Established trees, however, will tolerate occasional temperatures down to about -10°c and are hardy in most British winters[, , ]. A tree is 25 metres tall at Kew (1988) but in general they grow better in the western maritime zone[]. The variety 'Lutea' is hardier than the type and is also more tolerant of wind and salt spray as well as of trimming[].
New growth takes place from May to September and can be very vigorous when young with new shoots 1 metre long and increases in girth of 5cm or more a year even in old trees[]. Trees in a very exposed maritime position at Rosewarne in N. Cornwall were 12 metres tall after 30 years[].
Resents root disturbance, it is best planted out when the roots are in active growth in early autumn or spring[].
Often planted for shelter and ornament, and also occasionally for timber in W. and S. Europe[].
The cones ripen in their second year[]. They can remain closed on the tree for a number of years, opening after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow quickly in the ashes of the fire[].
The crushed leaves have a strong scent of lemon verbena[].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the foliage has been used in the treatment of rheumatism[].

Other Uses

A good fast growing hedge for the milder areas of Britain, tolerating maritime exposure[, , ]. It can be trimmed so long as it is not cut back into old wood.
Wood - heavy, hard, strong, close-grained and very durable[]. Used for general construction[, ].

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[].