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Modoc cypress
Scientific Name: Cupressus bakeri
Family: Cupressaceae
Category: Gymnosperm
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Baker Cypress (Cupressus bakeri, reclassified as Hesperocyparis bakeri)
The Baker Cypress, also known as Modoc Cypress or Siskiyou Cypress, is a rare conifer species native to the United States.
Considerations for Pets
- The tiny (1/16") scaled leaves are gray-green with gland dots that produce a white resin.
- Cones are 1/2 to 1" forming a sphere with 6 or 8 scales.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cupressus bakeri (reclassified as Hesperocyparis bakeri)
- Common Names: Baker Cypress, Modoc Cypress, Siskiyou Cypress
- Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Hesperocyparis bakeri (Jeps.) Bartel
- Subspecies: Cupressus bakeri ssp. matthewsii (Siskiyou Cypress) - Note that the recognition of this subspecies is debated.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to a restricted area of northern California and southern Oregon.
- Specifically found in Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, and Siskiyou counties in northern California.
- Grows in groves in southwest Oregon.
- Prefers humus-rich to dry rocky, well-drained soil.
- Can tolerate part shade.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The Modoc Cypress is a slow-growing evergreen tree.
- Leaves are tiny (1/16") scaled and gray-green with resin-producing gland dots.
- Cones are spherical, measuring 1/2 to 1 inch, with 6 or 8 scales.
Ecological role
- Baker cypress is a native forest conifer found predominantly in the southwest portion of Oregon and then south into the Siskiyou.
Additional Resources
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- Dave's Garden (online gardening community)
- USDA Hardiness Zones map