Cypress, Arizona

The Arizona Cypress typically reaches heights between 40 and 50 feet with spreads between 25 and 30 feet. This tree grows into an upright, conical shape with a very dense crown. For best growth, plant the tree in well-drained, loam or sandy soil with full sun (it likes hot and dry locations). If planted in cool and wet regions the tree becomes very susceptible to Juniper blight.

The opposite, simple, evergreen scale-like LEAVES are about 1/16” long. Each leaf is a pale greenish gray/blue color. When bruised the leaves let out a bad smelling odor. The leaves look like they are braided.

In the spring, yellow and inconspicuous FLOWERS bloom. The male flowers are in small oblong cones with a pale yellow color at the branch tip and the female flowers are in almost spherical cones with a light green color at the branch tip.

The FRUIT from the Arizona Cypress comes in the form of a spherical cone, 1” in diameter. Each cone has 6-8 pointed scales that start off green but turn brown when mature. The cones take two seasons to fully mature and stay on the tree for 2-3 years.

The BARK is a brownish red color that peels off in long strips making it a very showy and attractive. As the tree matures the bark turns dark brown and develops ridges. The TWIGS are slender and covered in scale-like leaves that turn brown with age.

Uses of the Arizona Cypress include windbreaker, ornamental and to help prevent soil erosion. The wood is very sturdy and used in construction in several areas, such as fence posts. Several Christmas tree farms choose this tree to grow.