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Native Plant Society of Texas

Arizona Cypress

Hesperocyparis arizonica

Other common name(s):

Cedro Blanco

Family:

Cupressaceae (Cypress Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Low Mountains and Bajadas

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

30
to
40
ft.

Spread

15
to
25
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Brown

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Arizona cypress is low maintenance, drought-tolerant, once established. Fast growth rate, and relatively short-lived. Overwatering can cause root rot. Provide enough space for the tree to grow. It is widely used as an ornamental and for windbreaks in its native range. It is also often grown for Christmas trees. It is used for reforestation and soil stabilization in arid areas. Excellent for xeriscaping. Native habitat: Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion in hot, dry canyons and stream banks from 3000 to 7000 ft. It can adapt to other areas of Texas, but may need extra care. Cypress Bark Beetles can bore into the bark and weaken the tree. Cypress Canker can cause lesions on branches. Warning: pollen can cause allergies. Propagation: seed, cutting.

Comments

Blooms April-May. A pyramid shaped tree with stout, horizontal branches. The aromatic, pale, gray green foliage is scale-like and flattened against the branchlets. Rough, peeling, outer bark of older trees have tan to plum to red inner bark. Produces separate pollen cones and seed cones. Seed cones are spherical, warty, covered in resin, and can hang on the trees for several years without opening. Pollen cones are cylindric to 4-sided. Provides habitat for birds and small mammals.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Callitropsis arizonica, Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus arizonica ssp. arizonica, Neocupressus arizonica

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Before planting, stratify the seeds by placing them in a damp paper towel for 30 days at 4°C (39°F). This pre-treatment mimics natural conditions and enhances germination rates. Prepare a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Maintain temperatures between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with indirect sunlight for optimal germination. Most cypresses have seratiunous cones that can hang on the trees for several years without opening. Cone should be collected by cutting them from the limbs. They can be opened by boiling for 30-60 seconds. 1) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HEAR22 2) https://greg.app/propagate-arizona-cypress/#:~:text=Late%20spring%20to%20early%20summer,soggy%20to%20support%20root%20development.
Semi-harwood Cutting Trim the lower leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to encourage root growth. Make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for rooting. Using a rooting hormone, either powder or gel, can significantly boost your success rate. Dip the cut end of the cutting into the hormone before planting to stimulate root development. Utilize a sterile, well-draining potting mix for rooting. Maintain high humidity by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or humidity dome, and provide indirect light to avoid scorching. The best time to plant seeds is early spring, after the last frost. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart to promote healthy growth. For cuttings, choose healthy, semi-hardwood stems that are 6-8 inches long. Late spring to early summer is the ideal time for taking these cuttings. 1) https://greg.app/propagate-arizona-cypress/#:~:text=Late%20spring%20to%20early%20summer,soggy%20to%20support%20root%20development. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HEAR22

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason