Monterey Cypress

Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa, Cupressaceae) is a fast-growing conifer endemic to just two small wild stands in Monterey County, California (Point Lobos and Cypress Point), a glacial relict. It reaches 40 to 80 feet in cultivation with an equal potential spread. Young trees are narrow and pyramidal; mature trees develop an irregular, wide-spreading, wind-shaped crown. Scale-like leaves (2 to 5 millimeters) are bright to dark green and emit a lemony fragrance when crushed. Pale reddish-brown bark may exfoliate.

Monterey cypress grows in full sun on moist soils (pH 4.5 to 8.5), hardy in Zones 7a to 10b. Despite its extremely restricted native range, it has been widely cultivated in coastal areas across California, Oregon, Europe (United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal), and New Zealand since seeds first reached the RHS in 1846. Documented diseases include canker and root rot. The cultivar 'Wilma Goldcrest' (golden column) is the primary selection in the trade.