Cupressus arizonica var. glabra (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 15m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Cupressaceae
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra Leaf (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra is an upright evergreen conifer tree with a conic to ovoid habit. Its blue/ green leaves are scales, up to 5mm long and grows in dense sprays. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 50cm. Its grey/ brown bark is smooth and flaky. Its yellow monoecious male flowers are in the form of pollen cones, terminal, up to 5mm long. Its grey/ brown fruit cones are globose and up to 33mm long.
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra, commonly known as Smooth Arizona Cypress, is native to the central Arizona, USA.
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra Cones (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Cupressus is derived from the old Latin name for ‘Italian cypress’. Arizonica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Arizona’. Glabra is from the Latin meaning ‘hairless’.
The landscape architect may find Cupressus arizonica var. glabra useful as an upright conifer tree with attractive foliage. This tree will tolerate a hot summer climate. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra Bark (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Cupressus arizonica var. glabra is of little wildlife benefit in the UK.
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate wet soils.
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra requires little maintenance.
