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

Common Name:

General Information

Hesperocyparis sargentii is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal to more rounded or irregular crown; it is able to grow around 20 - 30 metres tall, but is usually not taller than around 10 metres. The trunk can be 100 - 120cm in diameter, it can be straight, though it is often short and contorted, branching from low down.
The tree has been used in the past for its wood and has the potential for future use.
Although Hesperocyparis sargentii extends over a long distance along the coastal ranges of California, and is still abundant, the total population is continuing to decline, especially because the naturally occurring fires of this region will be either suppressed or too intense to benefit this species. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southwest N. America - California

Habitat

Chaparral or pine-oak woodland, growing on dry hillsides, in ravines and canyons in clay, loam or sandy soil over serpentine; at elevations from 50 - 915 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Hesperocyparis sargentii is found wild at elevations up to 915 metres in the coastal ranges of California, where the climate is of the Mediterranean type with hot, dry summers and winter rain[].
Grows well in a hot, dry situation[]. Prefers a pH of 6 or lower[].
Sargent Cypress is a fire-adapted, fire-dependent species. It has slightly fire-resistant bark and serotinous cones, although its low branching habit makes it susceptible to crown fires. Reproduction is generally restricted to burned sites[].
Trees commence producing female cones when around 5 - 6 years of age or olde, and male cones from 6 - 7 years of age. Female cones require 2 years to mature and contain about 100 seeds each. When cones are closed they persist on the tree for several years until opened by the heat of a fire or from desiccation due to age, and then release the seeds over several months[]..
Detached cones will open, but they rarely result in seedling establishment in the wild, usually due to lack of a suitable seedbed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is generally durable and stable. It was probably used in the past for fence posts[]. This wood is not currently in high demand, but it is suitable for a wide range of exterior uses including joinery, shingles, and boats; possible interior uses include moulding and panelling[].
The wood has been used as a fuel in furnaces[].

Propagation

Seed -
Seeds require bare mineral soil for germination and establishment. Seedling mortality is high on shaded sites with abundant litter because of damping-off fungi as seedlings are sensitive to excessive moisture. Seedlings are shade intolerant and survive best in full sunlight[].