Common Cypress Trees In Utah (3 Types You Must Know)
Cypress trees are abundant and widely distributed throughout North America, Europe, and the Mediterranean region. This diverse family includes 15 genera and over 100 different species of trees and shrubs found all over the world.
While there are only five native cypress species in the United States, none of them are found in Utah. Nonetheless, non-native cypress varieties can still be found in Utah, albeit in small numbers. In this article, we will explore the most frequently encountered cypress trees in Utah for your information and reference.
So, let’s begin.
1. Bald Cypress
- Common Name: Baldcypress
- Scientific Name: Taxodium distichum
- Mature Height: Can grow up to 100 feet tall
- Native/Non-Native: Native to the Southeastern United States
- Flowers/Cones: Produces woody cones that are round and brown
- Uses: The wood of the bald cypress is very durable and rot-resistant, so it is often used for construction, siding, and shingles.
The bald cypress is a fascinating tree native to the southeastern United States. It has long, narrow leaves that are yellow-green in the summer and rusty in the fall. On the branches, the leaves are spirally or alternately arranged. The smallest twigs of the tree fall off with the leaves still attached in the fall.
Baldcypress twigs have little buds at the ends that are not deciduous, which means they do not fall off. The side twigs, on the other hand, lose their leaves but retain the associated needles. The tree also has spherical, woody cones about 1-1/3 inches in diameter. When ripe, these cones feature 9 to 15 wrinkled, woody scales that peel away, releasing little, winged seeds.
Baldcypress bark is thin, scaly to fibrous, and can be red-brown or gray. Because it is light to dark brown, durable, and rot-resistant, the wood of this tree is very essential and is used for construction, siding, and shingles.
The bald cypress is indigenous to the southeastern United States, but not to Utah. It may, however, grow in a wide range of soil conditions. This tree is not common in Utah, but there are examples on the campuses of BYU in Salt Lake City and USU in Logan.
The bald cypress is a shade-resistant tree that can live for 1,000 to 2,000 years in its natural habitat. It is an excellent choice for a landscape tree since it has lovely, feathery foliage in the summer, beautiful fall colors, and a distinctive shape and texture all year.
The bald cypress is actually not a true cypress, but they are considered under cypress trees in Utah due to its similarities with other cypress varieties.
2. Italian Cypress
- Common Name: Italian Cypress
- Scientific Name: Cupressus sempervirens
- Mature Height: Up to 60 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Non-native to North America
- Flowers/Cones: Small yellow pollen cones in spring; round woody cones maturing in two seasons.
- Uses: Ornamental trees, hedges, and privacy screens.
One of the rarely seen cypress trees in Utah, the Italian Cypress, or Cupressus sempervirens, is a tall evergreen tree that can reach heights of 60 feet when completely mature. It has emerald to dark green leaves that are scale-like or awl-shaped. Like junipers, the leaves overlap in four rows and cover the twigs. The twigs are difficult to see because the foliage obscures them.
The Italian Cypress develops little yellow pollen cones that release pollen in the spring. This tree’s female cones are virtually spherical and woody. They mature in approximately two growing seasons and are about 1 inch in diameter. Similar to the bald cypress, these cones are brown in hue and have 6 to 8 shield-shaped scales.
The Italian Cypress bark is scaly and red-brown in hue. This tree’s wood, on the other hand, is regarded as unimportant. This tree is endemic to southern Europe and western Asia, where it grows in warm, dry conditions. It grows best in hot, arid regions and does not tolerate shade.
The Italian Cypress is often utilized in landscaping in warm and arid regions. With its thin and columnar crown, which is found in all cultivars of this tree, it has a very formal appearance. The varieties’ foliage colors range from yellow-green to dark blue-green. However, it is crucial to remember that Italian Cypress is only ideal for planting in low-elevation, warm areas of Utah. It has a hardiness zone of 7 to 9.
3. Arizona Cypress
- Common Name: Arizona Cypress
- Scientific Name: Cupressus arizonica
- Mature Height: Up to 60 feet
- Native/Non-Native: Native to North America (Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico)
- Flowers/Cones: Small male cones and round female cones; greenish when young.
- Uses: Ornamental tree, windbreaks, erosion control, and Christmas tree production.
When fully mature, the Arizona Cypress can reach heights of up to 60 feet. It has blue-green foliage with scale-like leaves that smell delicious when crushed. The flattened sprays of leaves give the tree a fluffy appearance.
This type of cypress has small male cones and spherical female cones. Male cones are yellowish and produce pollen, but female cones are greenish at first and grow to a brown tint. Cones are an important reproductive element of the tree and contain tiny seeds.
Arizona Cypress bark is reddish-brown and fibrous, often peeling off in long strips. This tree’s wood is light and fragrant, making it appropriate for a variety of applications such as construction, furniture, and decorative items.
The Arizona Cypress, which is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. It is especially widespread in Arizona, hence the name. Because of its lovely blue-green foliage, this tree is frequently employed as an ornamental tree in landscaping. It is also used for windbreaks, erosion management, and Christmas tree manufacturing in some areas.
The Arizona Cypress is drought tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun exposure. In terms of hardiness zones, it is best suited for zones 7 to 9, which have warm winters and hot summers.
Common Cypress Trees In Utah – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s go through some of the most commonly asked questions related to native and common cypress trees in Utah.
Are there cypress trees in Utah?
Despite being a non-native species, cypress trees can be found sparingly in Utah. Some varieties of bald cypress, Italian cypress, and Arizona cypress can be spotted in specific locations across the state, although they are uncommon.
Where do cypress trees grow best?
Mediterranean climate zones are optimal for cypress tree growth. This includes the Mediterranean region itself, portions of Europe (including Italy, Greece, and the south of France), and western Asia (including Turkey and Lebanon). Winters are typically mild and wet, while summers are hot and dry. Cypress trees flourish in these conditions because they are well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate, with their moderate temperatures and consistent rainfall. In these Mediterranean regions, they prefer well-drained soils and can grow near coastlines, in lowlands, and on slopes.
What are the disadvantages of growing cypress trees in Utah?
Due to unsuitable climatic and environmental conditions, growing cypress trees in Utah presents several disadvantages. Cypress trees thrive in mild, Mediterranean climates with moderate temperatures and ample moisture, whereas Utah has a more arid and semi-arid climate with extreme temperature fluctuations and limited precipitation.
It is difficult to provide the necessary irrigation and maintain adequate soil moisture levels due to the climate’s aridity. In addition, the soils of Utah, particularly in desert regions, may be alkaline, compacted, or devoid of organic matter, which can hinder the healthy growth of cypress trees. In addition, Utah’s distinct environmental conditions and pest populations may make trees more susceptible to diseases and pests that are uncommon in their native habitats.
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Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Trees & Shrubs In Yard And Garden, Utah State University Extension
- Native & Non-Native Tree Identification, Utah State University Forestry Extension.
- Native Plants, Utah Native Plant Society.
- A Guide To The Trees Of Utah & Intermountain West, Book By Michael Kuhns, Utah State University Press.
