Sargent Cypress

(Cupressus sargentii)

Sargent Cypress (Cupressus sargentii)

Identifying Characters: The cylindrical to conical shape is often distinctive. The foliage is dull green and the cones range from 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter.

Similar Species: Gowen cypress may be confused with Sargent Cypress. The leaves of Sargent Cypress are typically longer than 1/16 inch in length and the color is dull green. In contrast the leaves of Gowen Cypress are less than 1/16 in length and the color is bright green.

Measurements: A triangular to conical tree, ranging from 30 to 50 feet in height and up to 3 feet in diameter at breast height.

Cones: Cones between 0.75 and 1 inch in diameter, variable in shape between round and slightly ovate, brown to gray in color; 6 to 8 rounded hard, woody cone scales, often with a small spine.

Leaves: Leaves opposite in four rows, usually more than 1/16 inch in length; scale-like leaves dull green, sometimes with a glandular dot.

Bark: Bark gray, dark brown, or black, rough and furrowed, and fibrous.

Native Range: Sargent Cypress occurs throughout the coastal ranges of California except for Southern California.

Habitat: Sargent Cypress is found on the slopes of foothills and mountains in drier habitats, commonly in chaparral and with pines and oaks.