Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Coniferophyta – Conifers

Class Pinopsida

Order Pinales

Family Cupressaceae – Cypress family

Genus Cupressus L. – cypress

Species Cupressus bakeri Jeps. – Modoc cypress

A beautiful and rare tree from Southern Oregon, where it is found on dry, usually north-facing slopes. Hardy USDA zones 7-9.

This species is completely intolerant of shade and poor drainage.

It will grow to 65’ and 2’ in diameter, although it is an extremely slow-growing tree.

The thin, gray brown bark peels from the trunks, while the branches reach upwards, like an exclamation of joy.

Clusters of 15-30, tiny cones adorn the branches and from the leaves emanates an intoxicating aroma. Interestingly, the seed of this tree often depend on wildfire to open the tight cones and disperse the seed.

This variety is exceptionally hard to find in nurseries!

Note from a gardener on growing this plant :

It is very susceptible to spider mite infestation.  We found it rather fast growing in Central Point with largest specimen 20"dbh  and 45' tall in 40 years.