Tecate cypress
Hesperocyparis forbesii
Last reviewed: October 2026
Tecate cypress (Hesperocyparis forbesii) is a perennial tree native to CA. It blooms in February and March.
Toxicity unknown
Tecate cypress (Hesperocyparis forbesii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
180"–480" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar
Native to
CA
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A conical evergreen conifer with dense, scale-like foliage and reddish, fibrous bark that becomes ridged with age. Cones are wind-pollinated and small, round, and woody, persisting on the branches for years.
Growing Tecate cypress
Grow Tecate cypress in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 480 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Provides year-round cover and nesting habitat for birds; the persistent cones are a minor seed source for birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tecate cypress need?
- Tecate cypress grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tecate cypress bloom?
- Tecate cypress blooms in February and March.
- Where is Tecate cypress native?
- Tecate cypress (Hesperocyparis forbesii) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Tecate cypress? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.