The common name of Arizona cypress is like the Latin name, Cupressus arizonica, in reverse. "Cupressus" is Latin for cypress. The "C" is pronounced as an "s" in the common name, but as a "k" in Latin. The "ic" added before the last "a" of Arizona produced "arizonica" to designate the origin of this particular cypress.
The bluish green foliage is composed of small, tough scales, densely arranged on limber branches. Mature trees may be more than 15 feet wide and twice as tall. "Blue Pyramid" and "Pyramidalis" get only about half as large and have denser, bluer foliage. "Gareei," with more open, silvery foliage is perhaps the most popular cultivar (variety). Smooth Arizona cypress, C. a. glabra, or simply C. glabra has smooth reddish bark instead of the typically rough bark.
where to plant
Arizona cypress is from Arizona, and it prefers warm, exposed areas. It is ideal for areas outside of refined landscapes because it only needs to be watered for the first year or two after planting. Arizona cypress can certainly be quite happy in the garden as long as it is not shaded by larger trees or watered too generously.
how to care for
Arizona cypress does not need much attention. It can be disfigured by aggressive pruning, so should be left to develop a natural form. Too much water can rot roots.
where to purchase
Arizona cypress is uncommon. It is available at a few nurseries around the Monterey Bay Area, and can be ordered locally from Nursery Outlet in San Martin.
Tony Tomeo is a consulting horticulturist and arborist for New Image Landscape of Fremont. His weekly radio broadcast, "New Image Garden Report," can be heard at 8:10am on Friday mornings on KSCO, 1080 AM of Santa Cruz. Tony can be reached at (888) 226-9191 or ttomeo@newimagelandscape.com.
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