Genus: Cupressus Species: arizonica Family: CUPRESSACEAE Common name: Arizona Cypress Plant type: Evergreen conifer Origin: Southwest North America from Arizona through to the northern and central regions of Mexico Habit/form: Generally does well in Sydney and NSW climates, good with dry climate, minimal rainfall, drought, can handle various soil/sites, rocky/sandy soils, and is widely used as avenue plantings, ornamental or screen, as hedges, large gardens and parks. Rugged, can handle wide temperature range, good growth rates, good lifespan, full sun. The Arizona Cypress can reach heights of 20-25m, with dense amount of ascending stems and branching, ranging from conical to fastigiated dome, some bushy weeping; can get wide-spread at lower part of the dome, 10m wide at base. Trunk can remain dominantly single leader or have multiple larger stem cluster, furrowed, fibrous, shreddy/stringy-like but also plated-like, some shedding/flaking, ashy grey to regular grey with some reddish-brown hue in other pieces and areas of bark layers. There are some similar popular versions and cultivations of the Arizona Cypress. Cupressus glabra is usually mentioned/connected with the Arizona Cypress. Leaves: Dense sprays of opposite and alternate scale-like leaves, ranging from light green, blue-green/glaucous, and dull grey-green and browning colours, up to 5mm long. Can have a mild to distinguishable herby (parsley-like) aromatic scent when crushed. Fruit: Conifer, monoecious, cone, globose green maturing to roughed grey-brown, averaging 20mm width or length, with usually 6 scales that can open jagged.

• published: 12 Jan 2014
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