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Description
Cupressus Goveniana Var. Abramsiana, commonly known as Santa Cruz cypress, is a coniferous evergreen tree that is native to the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 50 feet and widths of up to 15 feet. The bark is thick, hard, and deeply furrowed, with a reddish-brown color. The leaves are scale-like and are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The cones are small, about 1 inch in diameter, and are initially green before turning brown.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Cupressus |
Appearance
The Santa Cruz cypress has a striking appearance, with a narrow, conical shape and dense foliage. The leaves are scale-like and are a blue-green color. The bark is thick and deeply furrowed, with a reddish-brown color that becomes darker with age. The cones are small, about 1 inch in diameter, and are initially green before turning brown. The tree can grow to be quite large, with a height of up to 50 feet and a width of up to 15 feet.
Care Guide
The Santa Cruz cypress is a relatively low-maintenance tree, but it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:
- Water: The Santa Cruz cypress is drought-tolerant once established, but it will need regular watering during the first few years of growth.
- Fertilization: Fertilization is not usually necessary for this tree, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.
- Soil: The Santa Cruz cypress prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: This tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Santa Cruz cypress is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Santa Cruz cypress is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to some problems. Here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Cypress canker: This fungal disease can cause dieback and cankers on the branches and trunk.
- Cypress tip moth: This insect can cause damage to the tips of the branches, causing them to turn brown and die.
- Cypress bark beetle: This beetle can cause significant damage to the tree, particularly if it is stressed or weakened by other factors.
Habitat
The Santa Cruz cypress is native to the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soil. It prefers sunny locations but can tolerate some shade. This tree is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the region, which is characterized by cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Santa Cruz cypress a good tree for landscaping?
A: Yes, the Santa Cruz cypress is a beautiful tree that can add interest and texture to a landscape. It is particularly well-suited to Mediterranean-style gardens.
Q: How fast does the Santa Cruz cypress grow?
A: The Santa Cruz cypress is a slow-growing tree, typically growing less than a foot per year.
Q: Does the Santa Cruz cypress require pruning?
A: The Santa Cruz cypress does not require pruning, but you can prune it to shape it or remove damaged or dead branches if necessary.
Q: Can the Santa Cruz cypress be grown in containers?
A: It is not recommended to grow the Santa Cruz cypress in containers, as it requires a lot of space to grow and develop a strong root system.
Related Plants
- Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress)
- Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cypress)
- Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress)
- Cupressus glabra (Smooth Arizona cypress)
References
- Arbor Day Foundation. (n.d.). Santa Cruz Cypress. Retrieved from https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=963
- California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Cupressus goveniana var. abramsiana. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Cupressus-goveniana-var–abramsiana-(Santa-Cruz-Cypress)?srchcr=sc5b1de9c9c8d0f
- UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County. (n.d.). Santa Cruz Cypress. Retrieved from https://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/The_Kitchen_Garden/Feature_Vegetables_and_Flowers/Santa_Cruz_Cypress/
