Taxon

Hesperocyparis bakeri

 
1 / 13
  Next
Hesperocyparis bakeri - Modoc Cypress
.
Common name: Modoc Cypress
Family: Cupressaceae
Synonym: Callitropsis bakeri, Cupressus bakeri
Distribution: Northern California to Southern Oregon
Habitat: On serpentine soils and lava beds
IUCN Red list: Vulnerable
Hardiness: Zone 5b -15 to -10 F
Life form: Evergreen conifer
Usage: Ornamental
Comments: Hesperocyparis bakeri, formerly Cupressus bakeri, the Modoc Cypress, is a species of cypress native to the United States, in a restricted area of northern California (Siskiyou, Modoc, Shasta and Plumas Counties) and southwest Oregon (localized in Josephine and Jackson Counties). An evergreen conifer, small to medium sized tree, growing to 50-80’. The tiny scaled leaves are gray-green with gland dots that produce a white resin. The foliage grows in sparse, very fragrant, usually pendulous sprays, varying from dull gray-green to glaucous blue-green in color. The cones range in size up to 1 inch, forming a sphere with 6 or 8 scales that have a point in the center of each. The cones often remain closed until a wildfire comes, releasing the seeds. Bark on the main trunk is reddish-brown, often peeling in curling plates.
Best grown in full sun with well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.
Links: OSU Landscape Plants - Hesperocyparis bakeri • Gymnosperm Database • Wikipedia • Northwest Conifers

Locations

Cluster Area Area
Individual Individual