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Description
Cupressus Goveniana, commonly known as the Gowen cypress, is a species of evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is native to the coastal areas of California, United States. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and 2 meters wide, with a conical shape and dense foliage. It has a reddish-brown bark that peels off in long strips and small, round cones that are about 2 centimeters in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Cupressus |
Appearance
Cupressus Goveniana has a conical shape with dense foliage that is blue-green in color. The leaves are scale-like, about 2-5 millimeters long, and arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in long strips, revealing a smooth, cinnamon-colored bark underneath. The small, round cones are about 2 centimeters in diameter and have 6-10 scales that are tightly packed together. The cones are initially green, but turn brown as they mature.
Care Guide
Cupressus Goveniana requires moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips:
- Water: The tree should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.
- Fertilization: The tree benefits from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The tree requires full sun exposure to grow properly.
- Hardiness Zones: Cupressus Goveniana is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cupressus Goveniana is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by cypress tip moth, spider mites, and root rot. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Cupressus Goveniana is native to the coastal areas of California, where it grows in well-drained soils in open forests, woodlands, and chaparral communities. It is also commonly found in parks, gardens, and as ornamental trees in residential landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cupressus Goveniana drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the tree is drought-tolerant once established, but it requires regular watering during the first few years of growth.
Q: Can Cupressus Goveniana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with well-drained soil and regular watering.
Q: How often should Cupressus Goveniana be pruned?
A: The tree should be pruned once a year in the late winter or early spring to remove dead branches and maintain its shape.
Q: How tall can Cupressus Goveniana grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and 2 meters wide.
Related Plants
- Cupressus arizonica
- Cupressus macrocarpa
- Cupressus sempervirens
- Cupressus lusitanica
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/cupgov/all.html
- https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Cupressus+goveniana
- https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/470/gowen-cypress/
