Arizona Cypress
Blue-gray scale foliage, fibrous bark, and persistent round cones identify this fire-adapted conifer of Arizona’s rocky mountain canyons.
Artwork inspired by Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton
Arizona Cypress is a conifer with aromatic scale-like foliage, fibrous bark, and round woody cones that may remain closed for years. Wild trees vary from green to striking blue-gray.
Look in rocky canyons and mountain slopes, comparing rounded cones and scale foliage with junipers. Landscape cultivars may occur far outside the native range. Do not strip bark or take cones from wild stands. Respect fire closures and avoid assuming planted roadside trees mark natural habitat.
- Primary state
- Arizona
- Status
- Southwestern conifer adapted to fire-prone mountain landscapes
- Range
- United States and Mexico
Quick guide
- Opening clue
- Blue-gray scale foliage and round woody cones
- Confirm separately
- bark, buds, and leaves; context: Rocky mountain canyons and slopes of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico
Field decisions for Arizona Cypress
- Identify
- Blue-gray scale foliage and round woody cones
- Habitat
- Rocky mountain canyons and slopes of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico
- Timing
- Evergreen; cones persist for years
- Protect
- Do not strip bark or take cones from wild stands. Respect fire closures and avoid assuming planted roadside trees mark natural habitat.
Good to know
A close image of Arizona Cypress is not automatically decisive: habitat, timing, full structure, and the alternative species considered should remain part of the record.
Notice these
- Blue-gray scale foliage and round woody cones