Arizona Cypress

Pollen Type: Tree

Cross-Reactivity: Italian Cypress, Monteray Cypress, Port Orford Cedar

HS Allergy Extract: Cypress, Arizona

Family: Cupressaceae

Genus/Species: Hesperocyparis arizonica

Common Names: Arizona Cypress, Arizona Rough Cypress, Rough-Bark Cypress, Smooth-Bark Cypress, Cedro

Distribution: Found in Southwestern U.S. including central and southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico to western Texas, and south central California.

Locations: Found on canyon side slopes at elevations 3,000’-8,000’.

Pollinating Period: January & February

Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated

Description: Arizona Cypress is a silvery blue/teal, conical-to-pyramidal-shaped conifer. It is a fast-growing tree, reaching 40′-60′ tall and 15′-20′ spread at maturity. Its gray-brown bark is rough and shedding. Its closely overlapping scale-like needles encircle the branchlets. They are soft, aromatic, and gray-green. Its dark reddish-brown cones are 1”–1 1/4″ in diameter. Arizona Cypress is heat and drought-tolerant. It’s also a strong choice for windbreaks, erosion control, Christmas trees, and ornamental landscapes.