Arizona Cypress

The Cypress, Arizona, Cupressus arizonica var arizonica, is a steeple shaped tree with a pale-green to gray-green color and the only cypress native to the Southwest. It is a medium sized tree 50 to 60 feet tall, and an evergreen, with a dense, upright, conical crown and smooth reddish-brown bark, that sometimes becomes fibrous with flat ridges. Arizona cypress generally requires little maintenance. Deep watering at least every other week is necessary for desert planting during the growing season. Arizona cypress is especially susceptible to fire and needs proper protection. Use Arizona Cypress for erosion control, windbreaks, or as a valued Christmas tree.