Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Hesperocyparis forbesii
Hesperocyparis forbesii (Jeps.) Bartel
Tecate Cypress
Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
Synonym(s): Callitropsis forbesii, Cupressus forbesii, Cupressus guadalupensis ssp. forbesii, Cupressus guadalupensis var. forbesii, Neocupressus guadalupensis var. forbesii
USDA Symbol: HEFO10
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A small tree, usually 20 ft. high, with an irregular/spreading to tight/symmetrical crown, light-green foliage, and exfoliating, mahogany-red, polished bark.
The common name refers to Mt. Tecate near the Mexico border, where this cypress was first found in California. It used to be considered a subspecies of a tree native to Guadalupe Island, off the west coast of Baja California.
From the Image Gallery
No images of this plant
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Cone
Size Notes: Up to about 30 feet tall, often much shorter.
Fruit: Though technically incorrect, the seed cones are often referred to as berries.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Flowers inconspicuous.
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: S. CA
Native Habitat: Dry, chaparral & canyon slopes; 1500-5000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Grows quickly to 12-15 ft., then slows to 2-3 in. of growth per year. Can easily be held at 15 ft. Drought tolerant.
Propagation
Description: Stratified seeds will germinate at 72 degrees. The percent of viable seeds is often low.Seed Collection: Most cypresses have seratiunous cones that can hang on the trees for several years without opening. Cone should be collected by cutting them from the limbs. They can be opened by boiling for 30-60 seconds.
Seed Treatment: Cool-moist stratify for 30 days at 34 degrees.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Additional resources
USDA: Find Hesperocyparis forbesii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Hesperocyparis forbesii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hesperocyparis forbesii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-05Research By: TWC Staff