SafePlants

Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica)

The Arizona cypress is a striking evergreen tree native to North America, specifically the southwestern United States and extending into interior Mexico. It's admired for its color, drought tolerance, and suitability for various landscaping purposes.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the Arizona Cypress has flaking or scaly bark. While not inherently dangerous, pets might ingest the bark.
• The Arizona Cypress is also used as a Christmas tree; pets interacting with Christmas trees can pose issues.
• Pollen from the Arizona Cypress can cause allergies, and while the text does not explicitly mention if it is harmful to pets, it may pose a risk.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that the Arizona Cypress has flaking or scaly bark. While not inherently dangerous, children might ingest the bark.
• The Arizona Cypress is also used as a Christmas tree; children interacting with Christmas trees can pose issues.
• Pollen from the Arizona Cypress can cause allergies in children.

Common Names

• Arizona Cypress
• Smooth Arizona Cypress 'Blue Ice'
• Arizona Rough Cypress
• Cedro
• Cedro Blanco
• Rough Bark Arizona Cypress

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cupressus arizonica Greene
• Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
• Synonym: Cupressus benthamii Endl.
• Taxonomic Rank: Variety (Cupressus arizonica var. arizonica)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the southwestern United States (Arizona, Utah, Texas, California) and interior Mexico.
• Found naturally on dry, sterile, rocky mountain slopes at elevations from 3,000 to 6,000 feet in Arizona.
• Grows in well-drained soils.
• Also grows in the Chisos Mountains of the Big Bend National Park in Brewster County.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A graceful, pyramid-shaped evergreen tree, typically 30-40 ft high (taller in the wild) and 15-20 ft wide.
• Conical to ovoid-conic crown.
• Flaking or scaly bark, often reddish purple.
• Color and form can vary from seed, ranging from green to silvery blue.
• The 'Blue Ice' variety has striking blue-gray foliage.

Ecological Role

• Tolerant of hot and dry conditions.
• Often used as a specimen or windbreak planting.

Other Interesting Information

• Can be used as a Christmas tree, either cut or living.
• The foliage of some varieties (likely due to the sap) has a citrus and mint scent.

Resources and Further Information

• Arbor Day Foundation: arborday.org
• USDA Plant Materials Center: http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/pfs.html
• National Plant Data Center: http://npdc.usda.gov
• Dave's Garden