Sargent Cypress*
Hesperocyparis sargentii
Care
full sun, part shade
low
33–66ft tall
Resistant
Coastal cypress forests and chaparral endemic to Marin and Sonoma counties in the North Coast Ranges, in extremely limited and specific microsites below 1000 ft.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Sargent Cypress in full sun where it will get at least 6 hours of direct light daily. This native California conifer is extremely drought-tolerant once established and naturally grows on serpentine soils in the Coast Range, so it can handle poor, well-draining soil that would challenge other plants - avoid heavy clay or consistently wet spots. Space it according to its mature size, keeping in mind it typically reaches 33–66 feet tall, though it can grow even larger.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to establish a deep root system, then dramatically reduce watering once established - this is a low-water plant that thrives on neglect in the Bay Area's climate. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering; once your cypress is in the ground for a season, let rainfall do the work and only water during extended dry spells. No pruning is necessary unless you need to remove dead branches.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Listed under California Endangered Species Act
Listed under California Endangered Species Act
Wildlife Supported
Insects
larvae specialize on Hesperocyparis species, critical spring host plant
larvae feed on cypress foliage in spring months
adults feed on foliage; larvae may utilize wood
nymphs and adults feed on cypress xylem sap in summer
larvae induce galls on developing foliage in spring
feeds on branch and foliage sap throughout year
nymphs and adults feed on sap during summer months
parasitic plant creates microhabitat structure on cypress branches
+1 more species