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Gowen cypress

Scientific Name: Cupressus goveniana

Family: Cupressaceae

Category: Gymnosperm

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Gowen Cypress (Hesperocyparis goveniana)

The Gowen Cypress, scientifically known as Hesperocyparis goveniana, and formerly classified as Cupressus goveniana, is a fascinating cypress species native to California. It is also commonly referred to as the Californian cypress.

Considerations for Pets

  • Gowen Cypress has been reported to cause skin irritation, although severe reactions are uncommon.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Hesperocyparis goveniana (formerly Cupressus goveniana)
  • Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
  • Synonyms: Cupressus goveniana Gordon
  • Subspecies: Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana, Cupressus goveniana ssp. pygmaea (Pygmy Cypress)

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Gowen Cypress is endemic to coastal California in the United States.
  • It is found in small, scattered populations in the Coast Ranges of central and northwestern California.
  • Specific locations include Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, California, growing on sandy, rocky knolls near the ocean.
  • It can be found at locations such as SW slope of Huckleberry Hill, Monterey Peninsula and Cypress Point Pine Barrens.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The Gowen Cypress is a shrubby tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall, though some can reach 50m.
  • It can also be described as a small tree or shrub with erect or stiff branches.
  • It has spherical cones.
  • The leaves are light green to yellowish and scale-like, remaining dark green throughout the year. New foliage emerges chartreuse in spring.
  • Has a bushy growth form and grows from 16.5 to 23 feet (5-7 m) tall.

Ecological Role

  • The Gowen Cypress often grows beneath a Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine) canopy.
  • Post-fire, it can form "doghair" forests with Pinus muricata (Bishop Pine).
  • It serves as a host plant for the insect Banasa sordida (Uhler).

Additional Information

  • A subspecies of the Gowen Cypress, Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana, is on the U.S. Endangered Species List.
  • The Gowen Cypress is often used as an ornamental tree.

Quirky Facts

  • Gowen Cypress is possibly the most fecund of the California cypresses.

Further Resources

  • ARKive
  • CNPS plant list for SFB Morse Botanical Reserve