Facts About Cyprus Trees

Cypress trees were once common in the swamps of southeast North America.

Cypress trees, which can be in the genus Cupressus or Chamaecyparis, are in the family Cupressaceae (cypress). The cypress is designated as a conifer, a group of about 12 genus. The Cupressus genus are evergreen, and thus popular for ornamental reasons, but they can also serve a practical purpose as a windbreak.

Types

There are about 20 members within the Cupressaceae family that are considered cypress trees. From this group, five representatives can be chosen: Arizona (Cupressus arizonica); Monterey (Cupressus macrocarpa); Italian (Cupressus sempervirens); Mexican (Cupressus lusitanica); Sargent (Cupressus sargentii). There are cypress trees labeled as a pine variety, and these are within the Actinostrobus and Callitris genus.

Features

On the low end, a mature Italian cypress can reach a height 40 to 60 feet, while the Monterey has a maximum of 100 feet. Cypress cones differ from pine cones in that they are smaller and oval. The leaves of a cypress are small and needle-like. The leaf color ranges from green to dark-green, except the Mexican, which has blue-green leaves.

Climate and Habitat

The Monterey thrives in moderate weather, and is native to the central and coastal California, yet does prefer full sun. The Italian can be found along the west, south, and eastern coastal states and also prefers full sun. The Sargent grows throughout California and in parts of Hawaii, in conditions which the Redwood and Douglas fir also are also found.

Positive Aspects

All types of cypress wood are considered durable building materials for interior and exterior applications and marine vehicles. Each type of cypress, through young leaves and twigs and seeds, provide food for wildlife. But cypresses are not favored by domesticated animals, although young trees might be fed upon. The Monterey can withstand a wide variety of soil types, from acidic to alkaline. The Italian and Arizona can survive in drought conditions and dry climates. The Mexican can survive in nutrient-poor soils.

Negative Aspects

All cypresses can become stressed in overly dry regions or overly wet or cold conditions. Drought conditions will likely affect trees in areas that receive moisture, such as the California coast. Overly wet and cold conditions will cause stress in trees that are found in the South and Southwest and in northern Mexico.

References

• Floridata: Cupressus macrocapra
• Department of Agriculture: Cupressus sempervirens
• The Gymnosperm Database: Cupressus lusitanica
• The Gymnosperm Database: Cupressus sargentii
• The Gymnosperm Database: Cupressus arizonica

Resources

• Nearctica: Conifer Index
• Fast Growing Trees: Leyland Cypress
• University of Southern Indiana Plant Index: Cypress Trees
• The Gymnosperm Database: Cupressus Taxonomic Notes