Cupressus macrocarpa   Monterey Cypress

Cupressaceae

Design height is 45', mature height 80'. Fast growth evergreen tree. Opposite scale leaves, dark green. Yellow flowers in catkins, blooms February through April. Cone is 1 1/2" in diameter, green to brown. Prefers full sun, moderate to light water, loam and sand. Tolerates drought, poor soil, salt air and wind. Endangered in CA due to development, but prevalent throughout the world. Monterey Pines vs. Monterey Cypresses: Pinus radiata has a more whorled branching arrangement than Cupressus macrocarpa. C. macrocarpa has small cones, darker foliage. Use for background, erosion control, as a clipped hedge, informal hedge, on the seacoast, avenue tree or windbreak. Photos taken near the Beach Chalet in Golden Gate Park.