Cypresses (Cupressus)

Key to North America Species North American Cypress Species Accounts Cupressus abramsiana Santa Cruz Cypress (see Cupressus goveniana) Cupressus arizonica Arizona Cypress Cupressus bakeri Modoc Cypress Cupressus forbesii Tecate Cypress Cupressus goveniana Gowen Cypress Cupressus macnabiana MacNab Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa Monterey Cypress Cupressus sargentii Sargent's Cypress

CYPRESSES (CUPRESSUS) There is little agreement among conifer specialists on the number of Cupressus species with estimates ranging from 12 to 24 species. The species of Cupressus tend to occur in isolated populations with small differences between these populations. Some systematists consider these differences to merit specific rank, others do not. This treatment uses a relatively conservative classification with 7 species. The species of Cupressus are found in warm temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In the New World Cupressus species are found in western North America down through Mexico to Central America. In the Old World Cupressus species range from North Africa through the Middle East, eastward to southern China and northern Viet Nam. Cypresses are planted as ornamentals. The wood has a nice aroma and is resistent to decay. The doors of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome are made of Cypress. Characteristic Features:   Female cones large (greater than 0.5 inches in diameter), woody, consisting of a series of polygonal plates; foliage on rounded or angulate branchlets.