Photo of Cupressus forbesii form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Cupressus forbesii

Also Known As

  • Cupressus guadalupensis var. forbesii
  • Hesperocyparis forbesii
  • CYPRESS
  • Forbes' Cypress
  • Tecate Cypress

Plant type

tree, conifer

size

  • H: 12'-35'
  • W: 6'-25'

planting zones

  • 7a-11

Cupressus forbesii plant details

Cupressus forbesii is an evergreen conifer tree with blue foliage. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cupressus forbesii

Plant type: conifer tree
Plant family: cupressaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 6 FT - 25 FT - wide, 12 FT - 35 FT - tall
Uses: distinctive bark

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cupressus forbesii

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A rare cypress native in a small range of Southern California and Northern Mexico, and the only host plant for Thorne's Hairstreak butterfly. A conifer tolerant of varying conditions such as moist to dry soils, acid to alkaline soils, clay to sand, drought tolerant and moderate salt exposure. Excessive watering is not recommended. Columnar or oval. Medium green colored needles in all seasons and the small cones attract birds.

Gardening facts about Cupressus forbesii plant

How to Grow Cupressus forbesii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • wind tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

Landscape groups by tags

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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

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Width: 24"-120"

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Zones

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Width: 6'-15'

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  • dry in summer
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Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

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Size

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Width: 15'-40'

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Plant Type

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Zones

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Size

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Width: 10'-15'

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aka Fine Gold Golden Monterey Cypress

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub, Conifer

Zones

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Size

Height: 40'-15'

Width: 40'

  • sun
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