Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana
Santa Cruz Cypress
Photo: parent species Hesperocyparis abramsiana · (c) John Rusk, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cupressaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana (Santa Cruz Cypress) is a native California tree in the Cupressaceae family, recognized by cone size.
Santa Cruz cypress is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native tree found in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Santa Cruz County within yellow-pine and closed-cone pine/cypress forests at elevations of 370 to 760 meters. Flowering occurs during the plant's reproductive cycle, with seed cones approximately 16 to 25 millimeters long and 14 to 22 millimeters in diameter. Growing as an evergreen conifer with a dense, pyramidal form, it develops a rugged, compact structure characteristic of cypress trees in coastal mountain environments. Its branches are typically dense and compact, with scale-like leaves arranged in tight, overlapping patterns that provide excellent protection in its challenging woodland habitat. As a rare endemic species, the Santa Cruz cypress represents an important component of the unique closed-cone forest ecosystem in its limited geographic range.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; cone size is diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Yellow-pine, closed-cone-pine/cypress forests
Elevation: 370-760 m
California counties: San Mateo, Santa Cruz
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
How to tell it apart
vs Cupressus: Same genus (Cupressus is old name for Hesperocyparis); check current taxonomy for your region.; vs Juniperus: Hesperocyparis has woody cones with 6-12 scales; Juniperus has fleshy berry-like cones.; vs Pinus: Hesperocyparis has tiny scale leaves; Pinus has long needles in bundles.; vs Sequoia: Hesperocyparis has 3D spreading branches and persistent closed cones; Sequoia has horizontal branches with flat needles.; vs Cedrus: Hesperocyparis has scale leaves and round cones; Cedrus has needles in clusters and upright barrel-shaped cones.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana native to California?
Yes. Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana grow?
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana occurs in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, at elevations of 370-760 m.
What plant family does Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana belong to?
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana is in the Cupressaceae family, genus Hesperocyparis.
Is Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana rare or endangered?
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana grow in?
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. abramsiana grows in Yellow-pine, closed-cone-pine/cypress forests.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.