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Cupressus macrocarpa - Hartw. ex Gordon.

Common Name Monterey Cypress
Family Cupressaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Cliffs by the shore in just 2 small locations in California[11, 82].
Range South-western N. America - California.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Cupressus macrocarpa Monterey Cypress


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Cupressus macrocarpa Monterey Cypress
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of cone
Cupressus macrocarpa is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. lambertiana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antirheumatic

A decoction of the foliage has been used in the treatment of rheumatism[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Shelterbelt  Wood

A good fast growing hedge for the milder areas of Britain, tolerating maritime exposure[11, 29, 75]. It can be trimmed so long as it is not cut back into old wood. Wood - heavy, hard, strong, close-grained and very durable[82]. Used for general construction[50, 61].

Special Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in a well-drained loamy or peaty soil[11]. Very tolerant of hot dry conditions[81]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[81] but is then more subject to insect damage in a succession of dry seasons[11]. Requires a sunny position[81]. Plants are not happy when growing on chalk, but they thrive on limestone[200]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[11, 75, 82] but plants are not very wind firm in shallow soils[166]. Young trees require staking when planted in very exposed positions[75]. This species is somewhat tender in Britain, especially when young and at least in the north of the country Established trees, however, will tolerate occasional temperatures down to about -10°c and are hardy in most British winters[11, 81, 260]. A tree is 25 metres tall at Kew (1988) but in general they grow better in the western maritime zone[11]. The variety 'Lutea' is hardier than the type and is also more tolerant of wind and salt spray as well as of trimming[185]. New growth takes place from May to September and can be very vigorous when young with new shoots 1 metre long and increases in girth of 5cm or more a year even in old trees[185]. Trees in a very exposed maritime position at Rosewarne in N. Cornwall were 12 metres tall after 30 years[75]. Resents root disturbance, it is best planted out when the roots are in active growth in early autumn or spring[81]. Often planted for shelter and ornament, and also occasionally for timber in W. and S. Europe[50]. The cones ripen in their second year[82]. They can remain closed on the tree for a number of years, opening after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow quickly in the ashes of the fire[200]. The crushed leaves have a strong scent of lemon verbena[185]. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[164]. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates[164]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[113]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can store for several years[113]. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame[1]. April/May is the best time to take cuttings[113].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
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Cupressus funebrisChinese Weeping Cypress, Mourning-cypressTree25.0 7-10  LMHNDM012
Cupressus lusitanicaMexican CypressTree35.0 9-12 FMHSNM024
Cupressus sempervirensItalian CypressTree30.0 7-11 MLMHNDM023
Cupressus torulosaHimalayan CypressTree40.0 7-10  LMHNDM002

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Hartw. ex Gordon.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

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Subject : Cupressus macrocarpa  
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