The Tecate Cypress is a woody tree native to the foothills of Orange County to Baja California. It grows quickly to 10-15 feet then more slowly, with a shrubby and rounded crown formed by multiple trunks. The medium green leaves are attractive and the tree can live for several hundred years. It blooms with separate male and female flowers that produce a tough, rounded seed cone. The Tecate Cypress is well-suited for erosion control, hedges, screens, and requires full sun and well-drained soil with low water needs once established.

1. * Tecate Cypress – Hesperocyparis forbesii
(hes-per-oh-SIP-ar-is FORBS-ee-eye)
Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
Native to: Foothills from Orange County to Baja (there are only four natural groves left in CA); most
commonly on dry, chaparral & canyon slopes; 1500-5000 ft.
woody tree
mature height: 10-30 ft.
mature width: 6-8 ft.
Woody tree that grows quickly to 10-15 ft, then more slowly. Shrubby looking with rounded crown
and usually multiple trunks. Bark peels to reveal red under bark.
Leaves typical for cypress,
medium green, attractive. Trees can live to several hundred years old in wild.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms are particularly showy. Separate male and female flowers (on same plant);
female develops into a tough, rounded seed cone.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Any situation where a non-native Cypress or upright Juniper might be used.
Excellent for erosion control on hillsides. A good choice for smaller gardens. Makes a good hedge,
screen or windbreak. Plant is fire prone.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native cypress & junipers.
Attracts: Excellent bird & lizard habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Quite adaptable, but prefers well-drained. Can take mildly acid (to 5.0 pH) soils.
Low water needs once established – best with Zone 1 or 1-2 (inland)
None
Management:
Prune to shape – can be sheared.
Propagation: from seed: difficult; cold-stratify
Don’t over-water.
Other than that, easy.
by cuttings: likely yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20, 24
12/2/13
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
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