Hesperocyparis forbesii
Tecate cypress
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Family: Cupressaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Hesperocyparis forbesii (Tecate cypress) is a native California tree in the Cupressaceae family, recognized by distinctive bark and growth form.
Tecate cypress is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in western Peninsular Ranges, with some plantings in southwestern mountains, in chaparral habitats at elevations of 450 to 1,500 meters. With its distinctive cherry-red or mahogany-brown bark that peels in thin plates, this cypress grows as a multi-trunked shrub typically less than 10 meters tall. Growing with light to dull green foliage and branches about one millimeter in diameter, it develops distinctive spherical seed cones 20 to 32 millimeters wide in dull brown or gray. Its seed structures are particularly notable, with dark to dull red-brown seeds featuring conspicuous attachment scars and numerous wart-like pitch pockets. The tree produces small pollen cones approximately 3 to 4 millimeters long with 3 to 5 pollen sacs per scale.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive bark and growth form
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral
Elevation: 450-1500 m
Outside California: northwestern Baja California
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 forbesii native to California?
Yes. Hesperocyparis forbesii is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Hesperocyparis forbesii belong to?
Hesperocyparis forbesii is in the Cupressaceae family, genus Hesperocyparis.
Is Hesperocyparis forbesii rare or endangered?
Hesperocyparis forbesii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
What habitat does Hesperocyparis forbesii grow in?
Hesperocyparis forbesii grows in Chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.