The Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) is an evergreen conifer that is native to the southwestern region of North America. This tree is an excellent choice for inclusion in a xeriscape and other desert landscaping because it has low water needs once the root system has had a chance to spread and entrench itself. With its deep roots, Arizona cypress serves well as a windbreak and for erosion control. It can also be grown as a cut or a living Christmas tree. The tree grows at a moderate to fast pace, adding 1 to 2 feet per year and topping out between 40 and 50 feet.
The tiny leaves of an Arizona cypress tree look like scales and come in different shades of green including gray-green and blue-green. Older trees have a rough bark that scales off to show an inner bark with changing color from tan to plum to red.
The Arizona Cypress is a popular evergreen tree known for its striking blue-green foliage and ability to thrive in hot, arid climates. This conifer is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico If you’re considering planting an Arizona Cypress in your landscape, it’s helpful to understand the different stages of growth this tree goes through. In this complete guide, we’ll walk through the full lifecycle of an Arizona Cypress from seed to mature tree
Seedling Stage
An Arizona Cypress starts its life as a seed. The seeds are enclosed in small cones that mature and open after two years, releasing dozens of tiny winged seeds. These seeds can be collected and propagated, or they may germinate naturally wherever they happen to land.
Once an Arizona Cypress seed germinates, it enters the seedling stage. Seedlings emerge with two small seed leaves (cotyledons). The first true needles appear within a few weeks. In the seedling stage, growth happens slowly, with young trees adding just a few inches in height each year. Proper watering is crucial during this stage to help the new root system establish. Seedlings also need partial shade or protection from intense sun when they’re very young.
Juvenile Stage
After a few years of slow, steady growth, the Arizona Cypress transitions into the juvenile stage. This stage typically lasts from around 3 years old to 7 years old. Growth accelerates during this time, with juvenile trees adding 1-2 feet of height annually.
The juvenile Arizona Cypress has a very pyramidal, conical shape with layered branching. Its blue-green needles are soft and feathery. This is when the classic Christmas tree shape starts to emerge. The tree remains slender during the juvenile stage before growth widens as it reaches maturity.
Proper sunlight, drainage and occasional watering are important during the juvenile stage. The roots continue developing, so the tree still needs supplemental irrigation until its root system is firmly established.
Adolescent Stage
The adolescent stage for an Arizona Cypress comes approximately 5-15 years after germination. Growth is quite rapid during this time, with trees adding 2 or more feet in height each year.
The adolescent Arizona Cypress fills out in width but maintains its conical, pyramid-like form. Branches become fuller but still retain a soft, lacy appearance. The color may shift from a brighter juvenile blue-green to a more silver-gray as the needles mature.
This fast-growing stage requires careful attention. The adolescent cypress needs plenty of space for its expanding canopy. Make sure it receives sufficient water during droughts so growth isn’t stunted.
Maturity
After around 15 years of growth, the Arizona Cypress enters maturity. It typically tops out at 40-60 feet tall with a spread of 10-25 feet. Growth continues at a slower pace, with mature trees adding just 6-12 inches annually once they’ve reached their full height.
In maturity, the Arizona Cypress has a classic conical Christmas tree shape with a straight central trunk and layered, horizontal branches. The needles take on a more glaucous, gray-blue color compared to the brighter green of youth. Small round cones appear periodically in the canopy.
The extensive root system of a mature Arizona Cypress makes it quite drought tolerant. Supplemental irrigation is only needed during prolonged dry periods once the tree is established. Maintenance needs are minimal thanks to this tree’s pest and disease resistance.
Old Age
Arizona Cypress trees can live for over 150 years with proper care and favorable conditions. In old age, growth slows down significantly. The tree may start to show signs of decline like thinning foliage, dead branches, and slowed regrowth.
Dramatic increases in cone production often signal a cypress tree’s entrance into old age. The bark takes on a more furrowed, irregular appearance compared to the smooth bark of youth. Old Arizona Cypresses have a wide, rounded canopy as the distinctive conical shape spreads out over time.
While the cypress can live for centuries, its health and structural integrity begin to decline after 60-100 years. Providing excellent care including irrigation, mulching, and pruning can extend its lifespan by many decades.
Signs of Maturity Based on Growth Stages
- Seedling stage: Less than 1 foot tall, very slow growth
- Juvenile stage: 1-15 feet tall, pyramid shape emerges
- Adolescent stage: 15-30 feet tall, rapid growth upwards and outwards
- Mature stage: 40-60 feet tall/10-25 feet wide, slow height growth, filled out canopy
- Old age: 60+ feet tall/25+ feet wide, very slow growth, expanded canopy, increased cones
Caring for the Arizona Cypress at Different Stages
- Seedling: Partial shade, frequent watering, protect from weather extremes
- Juvenile: Full sun, occasional irrigation, well-draining soil
- Adolescent: Give space to expand, prevent drought stress, Address pests/diseases
- Mature: Drought tolerant once established, occasional pruning, monitor health
- Old: Monitor decline, provide extra care, test soil, check for pests/disease
What to Expect at Each Stage of Growth
- Seedling: A few inches of wispy growth per year
- Juvenile: Rapid vertical growth towards a pyramidal shape
- Adolescent: Fast widening and upward growth of 2+ feet annually
- Mature: Slow upward growth, filled out canopy at full height
- Old: Very slowed growth, outer canopy spreads outwards
Planning Your Arizona Cypress Landscape
- Allow 15+ feet between trees at planting for future spread
- Place near structures for eventual shade and screening
- Site in full sun with well-draining soil and reflected heat
- Provide supplemental irrigation until root system establishes
- Expect fast growth during adolescence, slowing to a crawl in old age
Knowing what to expect from your Arizona Cypress at different stages allows you to plan and properly care for it over its long lifespan. Pay close attention to its needs at each phase, from delicate seedling to massive mature tree. With the right growing conditions, your Arizona Cypress can thrive for over a century!
Temperature and Humidity
The tree is winter-hardy in USDA zones 7-9. It is well adapted to the hot and dry conditions in its native habitats in the American Southwest and Mexico. In areas of high humidity, the Arizona cypress is more prone to diseases.
Common Problems With Arizona Cypress
Problems with Arizona cypress are generally easy to recognize and occur as a result of improper care or environmental conditions. A few of the common issues owners might encounter include the following: