Monterey cypress

Hesperocyparis macrocarpa

Family: Cupressaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Horses, cattle and other livestock: NC State says the needles are slightly toxic to livestock. Dogs, cats: no statement in the sources checked. That is a gap, not an all clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, not on the common name.. 'Cypress' is used for several unrelated trees. Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, formerly Cupressus macrocarpa) is not Arizona cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica) and not Leyland cypress (x Hesperotropsis leylandii), both listed by NC State as plants it is confused with. The old name Cupressus macrocarpa still appears on many labels. Toxicity of those other plants, and of bald cypress or 'Cypress' vine, was not checked, so do not carry this record over to them.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 7a to 10b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 7A to 10A per UF/IFAS
Light: Full sun (NC State, UF/IFAS).
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 40 to 70 ft tall and 20 to 80 ft wide; the description says up to 80 or 90 ft tall at maturity with a broad spreading crown. UF/IFAS: 40 to 70 ft tall and 30 to 40 ft wide, and it can reach 70 to 90 ft. Narrow and pyramid shaped when young, then wide and irregular with age.
Where it comes from: NC State: found naturally only on the central California coast around Monterey, where it is relatively rare, and only two native stands persist. It is planted in many other countries, including France, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia (NC State introduced list). UF/IFAS: native to the Monterey Bay area of California.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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