Hesperocyparis goveniana
Gowen cypress
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Family: Cupressaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Threatened
Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gowen cypress) is a native California shrub / tree in the Cupressaceae family, recognized by size and cone dimensions diagnostic.
Gowen cypress is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native tree found in central Coast Range counties, specifically on the Monterey Peninsula in closed-cone pine/cypress forests, maritime chaparral, and coastal terraces at elevations of 50 to 160 meters. A compact conifer with distinctive bark that peels in linear strips or irregular plates, this tree typically grows 5 to 7 meters tall with smooth brown to gray bark that becomes increasingly rough with age. Its branches are slender, cylindrical, and approximately one millimeter in diameter, supporting bright to yellow-green foliage. The tree produces small, nearly spherical seed cones 14 to 20 millimeters long, ranging from brown to gray-brown with 6 to 10 scales. Dark brown to nearly black seeds, measuring 2 to 4.5 millimeters long, are nestled within these distinctive compact cones.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; size and cone dimensions diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Closed-cone-pine/cypress forests, mixed-evergreen forest, maritime chaparral, coastal terraces
Elevation: 50-160 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 goveniana native to California?
Yes. Hesperocyparis goveniana is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Hesperocyparis goveniana belong to?
Hesperocyparis goveniana is in the Cupressaceae family, genus Hesperocyparis.
Is Hesperocyparis goveniana rare or endangered?
Hesperocyparis goveniana carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Hesperocyparis goveniana grow in?
Hesperocyparis goveniana grows in Closed-cone-pine/cypress forests, mixed-evergreen forest, maritime chaparral, coastal terraces.
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.