Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
Monterey cypress
no rights reserved, uploaded by Irene · CC0
Family: Cupressaceae · Type: Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) is a native California tree in the Cupressaceae family, recognized by tree size, crown shape, and cone size diagnostic.
Monterey cypress is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) native tree found in northern and central coastal California, including the Monterey Peninsula and Point Lobos, in closed-cone pine and cypress forests at elevations below 50 meters. Its crown is distinctive, asymmetric and often open, with rich brown bark aging to ash-gray that becomes increasingly textured with age. Growing 18 to 25 meters tall with cylindric branches less than 1.2 millimeters in diameter, the tree displays bright to dark green foliage. Its seed cones are spheric to elliptic, 20 to 32 millimeters long, with 8 to 12 shiny scales that partially open at maturity. The tree produces seeds 2.5 to 5 millimeters long in dull red-brown to black coloration, with a conspicuous white attachment scar.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; tree size, crown shape, and cone size diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Closed-cone-pine/cypress forests
Elevation: < 50 m in native range
California counties: Marin, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Humboldt, Monterey, Del Norte, Mendocino, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Alameda, Ventura, Santa Cruz, San Diego
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 macrocarpa native to California?
Yes. Hesperocyparis macrocarpa is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Hesperocyparis macrocarpa grow?
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa occurs in Marin, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Humboldt, Monterey, Del Norte, Mendocino, San Mateo and other counties, at elevations of < 50 m in native range.
What plant family does Hesperocyparis macrocarpa belong to?
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa is in the Cupressaceae family, genus Hesperocyparis.
Is Hesperocyparis macrocarpa rare or endangered?
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Hesperocyparis macrocarpa grow in?
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa grows in 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.