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Arizona Cypress

Cupressus arizonica

Last reviewed: June 2026

Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica)
Photo: myself / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

300"–600" H × 120"–240" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

NM

Arizona cypress is a tall, narrow evergreen tree with blue-green to gray-green foliage and attractive reddish-brown bark that peels in thin strips. It grows naturally in a columnar to pyramidal shape and tolerates drought, heat, and alkaline soils extremely well. This native conifer provides year-round structure and screening in the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Arizona Cypress is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Large mature size may overwhelm smaller properties
  • Bark shedding creates minor debris

Wildlife value

Provides nesting sites and shelter for birds, particularly larger species that prefer evergreen trees. The dense foliage offers protection from weather and predators year-round.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Arizona Cypress fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.