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Gowen cypress

Scientific Name: Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana

Family: Cupressaceae

Category: Gymnosperm

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Gowen Cypress (Hesperocyparis goveniana)

The Gowen Cypress, also known as Californian cypress, is a cypress species native to California. Formerly classified as Cupressus goveniana, it has been reclassified as Hesperocyparis goveniana.

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 (not an active name)
  • Subspecies: Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana, Cupressus goveniana ssp. pygmaea (Pygmy Cypress)
  • Common Names: Gowen Cypress, Californian Cypress, North Coast Cypress, Mendocino Cypress, Dwarf Cypress, Pygmy Cypress, Santa Cruz Cypress

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to coastal California in the United States.
  • Specifically found in the Coast Ranges of central and northwestern California.
  • Occurs in small, scattered populations.
  • Native to Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach, California, growing on sandy, rocky knolls a few miles from the ocean.
  • Examples of specific locations include:
    • SW slope of Huckleberry Hill, Monterey Peninsula
    • Cypress Point Pine Barrens
    • Point Lobos State Park
    • Morse Botanical Reserve, Pebble Beach, CA

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a small tree or shrub.
  • Typically grows to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) but can reach up to 15 meters (approximately 50 feet) in height.
  • Bushy growth form, growing from 5-7 meters (approximately 16.5 to 23 feet) tall
  • Has erect or stiff branches.
  • Features spherical cones.
  • Foliage is dark green, emerging chartreuse in spring.
  • Scale-like leaves that remain dark green ornamentally.

Ecological Role

  • Can form "doghair" forests post-fire, along with species such as Pinus muricata.
  • Often used as an ornamental tree.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Serves as a host plant for Banasa sordida (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), also known to inhabit Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa).

Endangered Status

  • A subspecies, Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana, is on the U.S. Endangered Species List.

Resources and Further Information

  • ARKive
  • CNPS (California Native Plant Society) plant list for SFB Morse Botanical Reserve