Description

Monterey cypress is endemic to a very small portion of coastal Monterey County. It is so vigorous in coastal settings that it has spread to every coastal County in the state and is considered invasive. This is the iconic tree of the 17 mile drive along the Monterey coast, where the trees have been sculpted for centuries by the Pacific winds. Under the protective conditions of the interior Monterey cypress grows in a dense vase shape with a straight trunk and upturned branches. With age Monterey cypress opens up and the branches are more horizontal. The mature bark is furrowed and silver. This hardy tree tolerates drought, heat and cold in counties with substantial ocean influence (climate zones 15, 16 and 17). Plant this rapidly growing conifer as a wind break or specimen tree, if space allows.