Monterey cypress

Cupressus macrocarpa

Biomass to the coast

Tree25×6 mzone 8–10light shade

Profile

Family: Cupressaceae
Habit: Tree
Height: 25 m
Spread: 6 m
Growth: medium
Lifespan: 120 years
First yield: after 8 years
Hardiness: zone 8–10
Shade tolerance: light shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: dry – very moist
pH: 5 – 7.5
Synonyms: C. lambertiana.

evergreensuitable for hedgesscented

Uses

Medicinal5 of 10

Other uses6 of 10

Medicinal: The fruits can be used as a cooling light cleanser or moisturizer for the skin. They also serve as a first-aid treatment for burns and abrasions. The flowers have expectorant and emetic properties. The fruit aids digestion. The seed has cough-suppressing, digestion-promoting, fever-reducing, and anthelmintic effects. When used as an anthelmintic, the whole seed, including the seed coat, is ground into fine powder, mixed with water to form an emulsion, and consumed. It is then necessary to take a laxative to expel tapeworms or other parasites from the body. The root acts as a diuretic and emetic.

Origin & habitat

Southwestern North America - California.

Rocky or gravelly soils of canyons and gorges, 1000 - 2650 meters. The plant thrives in rocky or gravelly soils found in canyons and gorges at elevations ranging from 1000 to 2650 meters.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

Probably toxic due to its essential oils, as with all cypresses.

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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