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Description
Cupressus Sargentii, commonly known as the Sargent’s cypress, is a coniferous tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30-40 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide. The tree is native to the western United States and is commonly found in the Sierra Nevada and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Cupressus |
Appearance
The Sargent’s cypress has a pyramidal shape with a narrow crown. Its foliage is a bluish-green color and is scale-like. The tree produces small, round cones that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown and is thin and scaly.
Care Guide
The Sargent’s cypress prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is highly drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering once established. Fertilization is not necessary, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer in the spring. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sargent’s cypress is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to cypress canker, which causes the tree to develop brown patches on its needles and eventually die. The tree can also be affected by spider mites, which can cause discoloration and defoliation.
Habitat
The Sargent’s cypress is native to the western United States and is commonly found in the Sierra Nevada and the San Gabriel Mountains. It grows in rocky soils at elevations of 3,000-8,000 feet. The tree is highly adapted to the arid climate of its native habitat and is drought-tolerant.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the growth rate of the Sargent’s cypress?
A: The Sargent’s cypress has a slow to moderate growth rate of approximately 6-12 inches per year.
Q: Can the Sargent’s cypress be grown in containers?
A: While the Sargent’s cypress can be grown in containers, it is not recommended as it can become too large for most containers.
Q: Does the Sargent’s cypress need to be pruned?
A: The Sargent’s cypress does not require regular pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is the Sargent’s cypress deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the Sargent’s cypress is deer-resistant.
Related Plants
- Cupressus arizonica
- Cupressus macrocarpa
- Cupressus sempervirens
- Cupressus lusitanica
References
- “Cupressus Sargentii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276240.
- “Cupressus Sargentii.” The Spruce. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/sargents-cypress-growing-profile-3269319.
- “Cupressus Sargentii.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/78077/.
