Arizona Cypress
(Cupressus arizonica)




The Arizona cypress is a member of the Cupressaceae family which is also known as the cypress family. It is the only cypress native to the southwest.

Height:
This tree can grow to be 50 to 60 feet tall, and 15 to 30 inches in diameter.

Leaf and Bark Type:
The leaves for the Arizona cypress are scale like with a blue-green color to them. A whitish bloom gives the impression that they appear to be more blue or gray in color. Leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem. Bark is smooth and reddish-brown.

Where does it grow and in what conditions:
Arizona cypress is native only in the canyons of the Chisos mountains in Big Bend national park. It is widely planted in desert land scape and well drained sites east of Austin. It requires 10 to 12 inches of water annually with open sunlight required for best growth. It is extremely vulnerable to fire.

Pollinators:
This tree is wind pollinated.

Fruit:
The fruit for this tree is a woody cone around 1” across with scales that are flattened and slightly separated. These cones will persist on the tree for several years.

Uses:
For livestock, this tree can be used to make fence posts due to its durability after being harvested, processed, and seasoned. Some people uses it as a Christmas tree, but it has little value as timber. This tree can also be used for erosion control by acting as a windbreak in desert areas.

 
GPS Location



Submitted by Larrimer
Pictures coming soon

Citations:
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cupressus+arizonica
http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_cuar.pdf
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=HEAR22
http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/treedetails/?id=34