Monterey cypress

Cupressus macrocarpa

Coastal Californian endemic cypress, reaching 25 m, with bright green feathery foliage and exceptional tolerance of salt wind, sea spray, and exposure. The principal coastal windbreak species across the temperate Pacific.

Hardiness ratings

Monterey cypress hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 7–10 −17.8 °C to 4.4 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H4 −10 °C to −5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 8–9 −7 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–7 −5 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Salt tolerant and wind tolerant — the principal coastal windbreak species in southern Australia, New Zealand, the southern UK, and the Mediterranean basin
  • Native range is restricted to two small windswept headlands of coastal California (Cypress Point and Point Lobos) where mature wild specimens take on the dramatic gnarled habit of the famous Lone Cypress
  • Cypress canker (Seiridium cardinale) is a serious problem in some plantings — modern resistant cultivars exist
  • One of the two parents of Leyland cypress (with Nootka cypress)

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Monterey cypress against your zones

Reference

Monterey cypress on Wikipedia