Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa
This endemic species to the central coast of California was orignially found in two locations at Pt. Lobos and the Cypress Point in the Del Monte Forest. It is now heavily planted along the entire central coast and is a common tree to see while driving Highway 1. Depending on conditions they can reach heights of 30 to 90 feet in height.
A pure stand of native endemic Monterey Cypress in Pt. Lobos State Reserve. Monterey Cypress do well near the fog, sea breezes, and salt spray of crashing ocean waves.
Both pollen (male) and seed (female) cones of the Monterey Cypress
Male pollen cones and the scale-like leaves.
Male pollen cones at their height will give off clouds of yellow pollen.
Female Seed Cones can grown in thick clusters near the end of banches.
Female seed cones can range from 3/4 of an inch to 1-1/2 inche in diameter. These cones are green at first and will take about 24 months to mature.
A open seed cone that has not yeat let loose its seeds. Look closely inside the open cracks.
Just some of the seeds that came from one seed cone.
A classic wind blown salt
fog shaped Cypress on the cliff just above the waves of the Pacific Ocean.