Monterey cypress Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cupressaceae family, native to Two small groves on the Monterey Peninsula, California (Cypress Point and Point Lobos). It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 8–20 m (26–66 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Monterey cypress in your garden →
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Monterey cypress at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Two small groves on the Monterey Peninsula, California (Cypress Point and Point Lobos) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇨🇱 Chile |
Is Monterey cypress toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Monterey cypress
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Monterey cypress
- How far apart should I plant Monterey cypress?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–20 m (26–66 ft).
- Does Monterey cypress need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Monterey cypress need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Monterey cypress?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- Is Monterey cypress poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Monterey cypress?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Monterey cypress. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Calscape: California native plants, California Native Plant Society
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- In the wild it survives only on two windswept headlands, where it grows into gnarled, flat-topped shapes; planted worldwide as a fast windbreak and a parent of the Leyland cypress. Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach is one of the most photographed trees in America. Also known as Cupressus macrocarpa.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
- Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis