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Hesperocyparis arizonica
Arizona Cypress
Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, northern MexicoLearn more
Overview
Hesperocyparis arizonica (formerly Cupressus arizonica) is a medium to large, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, native to mountain canyons and slopes of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The genus name Hesperocyparis means 'western cypress' (Greek: hesperos = western); arizonica means 'of Arizona.' Trees grow 40–70 feet (12–21 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide, developing a broadly pyramidal to somewhat irregular crown. The foliage consists of tiny, overlapping, blue-gray to silvery-blue scale-like leaves with a distinctive whitish waxy bloom — the blue color results from glaucous wax coating the foliage. The BARK IS DISTINCTIVE: rough, stringy, reddish-brown to gray-brown, peeling in thin elongated plates or strips, becoming deeply furrowed on old trunks. Small, globose cones 0.75–1.25 inches (2–3 cm) with 6–8 scales bearing prominent hooked or pointed bosses, ripening brown in the second year and persisting on the tree for several years. More cold-hardy and drought-tolerant than Mediterranean cypresses. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Hesperocyparis arizonica is native to mountain canyons, rocky slopes, and dry creek beds in Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, and northern Mexico at 3,500–8,000 feet (1,070–2,440 m) elevation. It occurs in chaparral, pinyon-juniper woodland, and open ponderosa pine forest habitats.Suggested Uses
Hesperocyparis arizonica is planted as a specimen, screen, or windbreak in dry Pacific Northwest sites, particularly east of the Cascades, where drought tolerance and blue foliage color are priorities. Suited to xeric, low-water-use landscapes. The 40–70 foot (12–21 m) mature height requires adequate space. Educational value: contrast between western North American Hesperocyparis and Mediterranean Cupressus; glaucous wax coating as a drought-adaptation mechanism; the distinctive rough plated bark character.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 70'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Hesperocyparis arizonica produces inconspicuous male and female cones. Male cones shed pollen in late winter to early spring (February–March). Female cones are globose, 0.75–1.25 inches (2–3 cm), ripening brown in the second year and persisting on branches for several years.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
blue-gray to silvery-blue with glaucous waxy bloom; tiny overlapping scale-like leavesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant Hesperocyparis arizonica in full sun in well-drained to dry, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established — requires minimal irrigation after the second growing season. Does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils; root rot develops rapidly in wet conditions. Tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline soils. More cold-hardy than Mediterranean cypress — reliable to about -10°F (-23°C), USDA zone 7. Performs well on the drier east side of the Cascades and in hot, dry Pacific Northwest microclimates; may develop foliage problems in wet, poorly drained maritime sites.Pruning
No pruning is required to maintain the pyramidal form. Remove dead branches in late spring. Lower branches may be removed to expose the ornamental bark. Do not shear.Pruning Schedule
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late spring