Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis
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. butanoensis (Santa Cruz Cypress) is a native California tree in the Cupressaceae family, recognized by cone size and habitat.
Santa Cruz cypress is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native tree found in the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County within redwood and closed-cone pine/cypress forests at elevations of 400 to 490 meters. While specific flower details are not provided, this cypress is known for its distinctive seed cones approximately 22 to 32 millimeters long and 22 to 31 millimeters in diameter. Growing as an evergreen conifer with a narrow, upright form, it develops a dense, pyramidal structure characteristic of cypress trees. Its branches are typically arranged in tight, overlapping patterns with small, scale-like leaves that provide excellent adaptation to its specific mountain forest habitat. This rare cypress represents an important endemic species of the Santa Cruz Mountain ecosystem, playing a critical role in the local closed-cone forest community.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; cone size and habitat are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Redwood, closed-cone-pine/cypress forests
Elevation: 400-490 m
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. butanoensis native to California?
Yes. Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis belong to?
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis is in the Cupressaceae family, genus Hesperocyparis.
Is Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis rare or endangered?
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis grow in?
Hesperocyparis abramsiana var. butanoensis grows in Redwood, 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.