An Overview of the Many Varieties of Arizona Cypress Trees

The Arizona cypress tree, with the scientific name Cupressus arizonica, is an attractive evergreen conifer native to the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. This hardy tree thrives in hot, arid climates and is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and desert landscaping.

With its deep roots that seek out any available water, the Arizona cypress serves well as an erosion control plant and windbreak. It also makes a lovely ornamental landscape specimen. When allowed to grow naturally, the Arizona cypress has a conical, pyramidal form much like a Christmas tree.

There are several popular varieties of the Arizona cypress, each offering unique traits and visual appeal:

Blue Ice

The Blue Ice cultivar features aromatic blue-gray needle-like foliage and attractive smooth, peeling reddish bark that provides great winter interest. It has a narrowly pyramidal shape and grows 25 to 35 feet tall and 12 to 15 feet wide at maturity.

Carolina Sapphire

As the name hints, Carolina Sapphire has a very refined, frosty blue foliage color. This is one of the fastest growing Arizona cypress varieties, quickly establishing and reaching a height of 25 to 35 feet, with a 12 to 15 foot spread

Blue Pyramid

Another Arizona cypress cultivar with glaucous blue-green foliage, Blue Pyramid has a tight pyramidal growth habit. The branches remain densely packed as the tree grows Sweetly scented, Blue Pyramid works very well shaped into an evergreen hedge or privacy screen. It reaches about 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide at maturity

Silver Smoke

True to its name, Silver Smoke has the brightest silvery blue foliage of any Arizona cypress variety. Its blue needles strikingly contrast against the mottled, peeling reddish brown bark. Silver Smoke matures at around 20 to 30 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide.

Other Varieties

There are a couple less common Arizona cypress varieties to also consider:

• Golden Showers – Bright golden foliage that fades to green over winter. Grows 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
• Sapphire Skies – Silvery powder blue foliage. Grows 20 feet tall, 5-8 feet wide.
• Yellowstone – Feathery golden yellow foliage. Grows 15-20 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide.

Growing Conditions

While the specifics vary slightly between varieties, most Arizona cypress trees grow well in the following conditions:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soils: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
• pH Range: Acidic to alkaline
• Zones: Best suited for USDA zones 7-9
• Precipitation: Needs occasional deep watering once established; 10-15 inches annually

Arizona cypress trees demand good drainage and do not tolerate soggy soils or humidity. Take care not to overwater container-grown trees.

These trees should be planted in spaces where their branches have room to spread and their root systems can fully develop. Avoid fertilizing and only prune as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.

Growing an Arizona Cypress Tree from Seed

For the most reliable success propagating Arizona cypress trees, it is best to purchase young nursery-grown seedlings. However, with careful effort, the trees can be grown from seeds at home. Here is the process:

• Collect cones after they naturally open and release seeds.
• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
• Stratify seeds in moist paper towels in the refrigerator for 30 days.
• Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in small pots indoors.
• Keep pots in a warm area with indirect sunlight.
• Water to keep moist but not soggy.
• Germination should occur within 1-2 months.
• Grow seedlings in pots for the first year, then transplant outdoors the following season.

When growing Arizona cypress trees from seed, keep in mind that offspring will not be identical to parent trees. Only nursery-grown named cultivars will pass along specific traits.

Uses for Arizona Cypress Trees

The Arizona cypress is a versatile landscape tree suitable for:

• Windbreaks – The tree’s extensive root system prevents uprooting in strong winds once established.

• Erosion Control – The roots stabilize soils prone to erosion.

• Screening and Privacy – The dense, pyramidal growth habit provides privacy when planted in rows or groups. Responds well to pruning for hedge shapes.

• Specimen Plantings – The attractive bark and foliage make the tree a great focal point. Extra special as winter interest.

• Urban Landscapes – Tolerates pollution and confined root spaces better than many conifers.

• Xeriscaping – Needs very little watering or care once roots fully develop.

• Living Christmas Trees – Some varieties work wonderfully as living holiday trees.

Common Pest and Disease Problems

Arizona cypress trees are susceptible to some potentially damaging pests and diseases:

• Bagworms – Caterpillars that devour needles and cause defoliation. Remove any nests found in branches.

• Bark beetles – Small beetles that burrow and feed in the inner bark. Severe infestations can kill branches and entire trees.

• Fungal cankers – Caused by various fungal pathogens that attack the bark and cambium. Prune out infected branches promptly.

• Needle casts – Fungal diseases that cause needles to turn yellow or brown before dropping. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

By providing optimal growing conditions and promptly addressing any signs of infestation, the impact of pests and diseases on Arizona cypress trees can be minimized. Selecting resistant varieties like Blue Ice and Blue Pyramid is also recommended.

An Excellent Choice for Southwestern Landscapes

With its sculptural silhouette and glaucous foliage, the stately Arizona cypress makes a distinctive addition to landscapes in USDA zones 7-9. It thrives with minimal care and watering once established. For gardens seeking a touch of winter color and appeal, the exfoliating bark of mature trees is a great bonus feature.

The various Arizona cypress cultivars offer options like vivid blue, silver, or golden evergreen needles that make this native southwestern conifer even more of a standout. Give these trees plenty of space for their roots and branches, and they will flourish for decades, providing year-round evergreen structure. Their natural pyramidal form needs little pruning or training to look its best.