The genus is now Hesperocyparis, but back in the olden days I learned the rough bark Arizona cypress of southeastern Arizona as Cupressus arizonica ssp. arizonica and the Arizona cypress of central Arizona with its smooth bark was Cupressus arizonica ssp. glabra. The smooth bark Arizona cypress is the one you are most likely to find in the nursery trade and there are numerous named cultivars…25 to 30! Anyway, the wild species range further than just parts Arizona, but it is definitely a southwestern native that makes for a great large tree in your yard or part of a terrific wind break.

The photos are mine. You can see the young cones (Ms. Mesquitey’s hand in that pic) and then the fascinating old open cones. Pretty cool.

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TAGS

Arizona cypress,   Cupressaceae,   Cupressus arizonica,   Growing Native,   Hesperocyparis arizonica,   Petey Mesquitey,   rough bark Arizona cypress,