Long known as Cupressus arizonica Greene, the new taxon name (Hesperocyparis arizonica) is not universally accepted.

Common Name: Arizona Cypress

General Information

Hesperocyparis arizonica is an evergreen shrub or a tree forming a conical to oval and round topped crown; it usually grows around 5 - 20 metres tall, thouigh it can reach 30 metres. The trunk can become multistemmed from near the ground and up to 40 - 100cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. It is cultivated as a timber tree in Italy and occasionally in other parts of Europe[]. The young tree has an attractive pyramidal shape and is grown as an ornamental. It has been widely grown as a Christmas tree in its native range[].
Hesperocyparis arizonica has a very wide range accress southwest N. America. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

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

Habitat

Montane coniferous forest, mixed broad-leafconiferous woodland, Pinyon-Juniper woodland, sclerophyllous scrubland, and valley scrub-grassland, on rocky or gravelly soils of canyons and ravines; at elevations from 750 - 2,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Hesperocyparis arizonica is a plant of moderate to high elevations in southwestern N. America, where the climate is characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and winter rainfall[].
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[]. Plants grow in the wild in rocky terrain in yellow or red-brown loam, sand or gravel, or among boulders over limestone, sandstone, slate or granite[]. Prefers a pH of 6 or lower[].
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[].
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

Agroforestry Uses:

Trees are very drought tolerant and are planted on slopes in its native range in order to prevent soil erosion[].

Other Uses

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[].