Cupressus arizonica
| Cupressus arizonica | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 82' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Cupressus arizonica (common name: arizona cypress)
Propagation: Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[1]. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates[1]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can store for several years[2].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame[3]. April/May is the best time to take cuttings[2].
Cultivation: Thrives in a well-drained loamy or peaty soil[4]. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and of drought[5]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[5] but is then more subject to insect damage in a succession of dry seasons[4]. Requires a sunny position[5].
A fast-growing and long-lived tree in the wild[6], this species is the hardiest member of the genus[4], though it is still somewhat tender in Britain, at least in the north of the country[4]. It succeeds in most of Britain once it is established[5]. The sub-species A. arizonica glabra. (Sudw.)Little. is a very hardy form, thriving in any soil from chalk to acid sands, this is the form most commonly grown in Britain[7].
Trees are fairly fast-growing in Britain, new growth takes place from late May until mid-September and can reach 60cm per year on young trees[8].
Cultivated as a timber tree in Italy and occasionally in other parts of Europe[9]. The young tree has an attractive pyramidal shape and is widely grown as a Christmas tree in its native range[6].
The seed takes two summers to develop[6]. Mature cones often remain closed on the tree[5], only opening after the heat of a forest fire[7].
Plants are subject to injury by the wind[4][5].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[7].
Range: South-western N. America - California to Texas and New Mexico, south to Mexico.
Habitat: Rocky or gravelly soils of canyons and ravines, 1000 - 2650 metres[6].
Usage: Trees are very drought tolerant and are planted on slopes in its native range in order to prevent soil erosion[6].
Wood - soft, close-grained[10]. Hard, heavy and durable according to another report[6]. Used for general construction and fuel[10].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Mid Fall
Flower Type: Monoecious
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Rushforth, Keith. Conifers. Batsford, 1991.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Elias, Thomas. The Complete Trees of North America. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Mitchell, Alan. Conifers in the British Isles. Stationery Office Books, 1975.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.