Arizona Cypress

Hesperocyparis arizonica

A fast-growing conifer tree with aromatic foliage in beautiful shades of gray-green to blue-green. The long-lived Arizona Cypress is a striking evergreen addition to the landscape and is highly adaptable to North Texas conditions. With greenery year-round, it serves as an excellent screening plant and habitat for wildlife, especially important in the winter months. Though they look small at the nursery, be mindful of the space requirements when choosing a spot to plant it. A good replacement for Eastern Red Cedar, Hollywood Juniper, and large non-native hollies.

Growing Requirements

Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water: Low

Originates from a hot, dry region so can withstand wind and drought conditions and generally does not need supplemental irrigation. Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Cold hardy to around 0°.

In the Landscape

Average Size: 30-40 feet tall x 15-25 feet wide
Spacing: 10-20 feet
Classification: Evergreen Tree, Conifer
Uses: Focal Point, Specimen, Borders, Shelterbelt, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Wildlife Habitat
Plant as an ornamental focal point, a living Christmas tree, or closely planted (6-8 feet apart) in a row for a windbreak, sunscreen, or privacy hedge. As it matures, lower limbs can be removed to shape into more of a tree format.

Contrasts nicely with orange-hued plants like Texas Lantana and Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly milkweed). Also looks great with other grey plants such as the native Texas sage or ‘Powis Castle’ artemesia. 

Seasonal Interest: Year-round blue-green lacy, scale-like foliage. Inconspicuous flowers in spring. Produces dark reddish brown, round 1” seed cones that persist throughout the year. When young, it has a neat, conical form with branches extending to the ground. It becomes broader with age and exposes more of its attractive trunk and scaly bark, ranging in colors from tan to cherry red. 

Wildlife: Provides nesting sites, cover, and seeds for a number of garden wildlife. Moderately deer-resistant.

Care & Maintenance

Very little to no care is required. If lower branches die, cut back to the trunk. If pruning to shape or control growth, this is best done in late winter before new spring growth begins. Late spring to early summer are also suitable. Keep in mind that buds typically grow on new wood rather than old wood. So, hand prune with a light touch being careful not to leave bare patches. Plus, a natural organic shape is always more beautiful!

Problems & Troubleshooting

Arizona Cypress is part of the same evergreen conifer family as junipers, so use with caution if you suffer from allergies to junipers; the pollen is considered a severe allergen.²

Resources and References

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas by George Oxford Miller

1. Photos by (L) CK Kelly (M) Michelle (R) Joseph Rojas via iNaturalist. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Original images cropped/configured with minor exposure adjustments for side-by-side presentation. ↩︎
2. Cupressus arizonica is synonymous with Hesperocyparis arizonica ↩︎