Cipresso dell'Arizona

Class

Pinopsida

Division

Pinophyta

Family

Cupressaceae

Order

Pinales

Genus

Cupressus

Species

arizonica

Description

A vigorous evergreen tree, it can reach a height of over 20 metres. Its elegant and attractive architecture outlined by a compact conical-pyramidal foliage makes it suitable for adding an ornamental accent to medium to large green spaces such as gardens and parks, even in urban areas where it tolerates temporary drought.

Varietal description

American cypress, elegant-looking, large, long-lived tree. Slender habit with compact ovoid conical crown and close branching. Squamiform grey-green leaves with silvery highlights; blossoms discreetly and not very ornamental in spring. Grey bark, smooth then plaque-like. Solid, moderately deep and widespread rooting in the soil. Very hardy and adapts to climatic variations, even in urban climates and parks. Prefers clay and sandy, drained soils, but grows well in all soil types. It is a species suitable for medium to large landscaped green areas in isolated form or small groups, parks, gardens and also for the formation of trees in rows both in parks and in driveways, but applying the right distance from carriageways. It belongs to the group of conifers that lends itself to widespread, multifunctional, ornamental and landscape use. Resistant to disease, it does not require pruning. It must never be topped or pruned.

curiosity and special features

Cupressus arizonica is often confused with Cupressus glabra, from which, however, it differs in the colour shade of the foliage and the type of bark.

The small, round-shaped fruits or galbules can be used in floral arrangements, even Christmas arrangements, to provide a unique decorative accent.

Origin and Diffusion

Native species of the range extending from central and south-eastern Arizona to western Texas and northern Mexico.

Leaf

The leaf, appressed to the twigs, is scaly.

Leaf color

Solid-coloured, homogeneous, grey-green with silvery highlights.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 2 to 5 m.

Lifespan

Evergreen polyennial conifer.

Suggested planting locations

Plant suitable for multifunctional, ornamental and landscaping use, for flowerbeds, gardens and parks, large pots, hedges, large flowerbeds and road roundabouts

Stem/stem

The woody stem has smooth bark in young specimens that flakes off in longitudinal plates when mature; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pom-pom-shaped, small, with a tubular corolla. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Long-lived plant with vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The habitus is erect and slender with compact conical-pyramidal foliage.

branching

The abundant and close branching gives the foliage high density.

pH

It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

Before transplanting in early winter, work the soil well by harrowing, aerating and levelling the surface. We recommend burying organic matter and, if the soil is heavy and poorly draining, adding sand as well.

sun exposure

It requires full sun exposure for better vegetative development.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C.

Use

Due to its attractive habit, it is suitable as an ornamental plant:

Ornamental Outdoor ornamental Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic plant, it adapts to climatic variations even in urban areas.

Soil/medium

It adapts to different soil conditions, but for best vegetative growth the ideal soil is medium-textured, well structured and with organic substance.

Maintenance

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, the cultivation of Arizona Cypress is fairly easy.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines for Arizona Cypress:

Balanced fertilisation Requires abundant but no stagnant watering Exposure to direct light Correct pruning

planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 1000 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'. Place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the collar of the plant off the soil surface, then water after planting without causing water stagnation. It is advisable to carry out proper bracing to ensure the uprightness of the stem.

pruning

It should never be pruned at the apex or trimmed. If necessary, only lateral branches should be pruned in order to maintain good branching in balance with vertical growth.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is by seed or cutting.

Irrigation

After transplanting, assist the plant so that it can best develop its root system in the new site, keeping the latter at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and apply quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons, allowing the soil to dry slightly between one watering and the next.

Fertilization

When transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation with a balanced slow-release fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants. After planting in the new site, fertilise periodically in spring and autumn with organic fertiliser.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

Fertilise periodically and prune to shape the plants. Do not prune the apex but only the side branches in order to maintain good branching in balance with the vertical growth.