Overview
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea (Lemmon) Bartel, commonly known as the Mendocino Cypress or Gowen Cypress, is a rare and endangered species of cypress tree.
Origin
The plant is native to California in the United States. It is endemic to the coastal areas of Mendocino County and Sonoma County.
Common Names
Aside from the Mendocino Cypress and Gowen Cypress, Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea is also known by other common names such as Dwarf Cypress, Pigmy Cypress, and Santa Cruz Cypress.
Appearance
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea is a slow-growing tree that can reach a maximum height of 20 feet, but it usually grows up to 5 to 6 feet tall. The tree has a dense, conical crown that can spread up to 8 feet wide. The bark is reddish-brown and fibrous. The leaves are scale-like, overlapping, and grayish-blue in color. The cones are about 0.6 inches in diameter and are round to oval-shaped. The cones start out green but turn brown as they mature.
Uses
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea is an ornamental plant that is used as a landscaping tree in gardens and parks. Its wood is not very durable and often used for craftwork such as carving and woodturning. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for respiratory problems and as a topical treatment for skin conditions.
Light Requirements
The Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea (Lemmon) Bartel thrives best in full sun to partial shade. As a seedling, this plant tends to grow better in partial shade because it is more sensitive to full sun exposure. In contrast, an adult plant requires full sun exposure to achieve optimum growth and health.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well adapted to withstand the coastal Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild winters and dry summers, with temperatures ranging between 20 to 70°F (-7 to 21°C). These temperature ranges allow the plant to experience a range of frosts and avoid extreme heat.
Soil Requirements
The Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea (Lemmon) Bartel prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.0-6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth in both the root system and the foliage. The plant grows well on rocky soils because of their excellent drainage abilities.
Cultivation Methods
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea (Lemmon) Bartel, commonly known as Mendocino Cypress, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It prefers well-drained soil, and can withstand mild frost and drought conditions once established. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to plant it in a location with full sun exposure, preferably in a rocky or sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Watering Needs
Mendocino Cypress has a moderate water requirement, and it is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-drained before watering. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions, but it is advisable to water the plant weekly during hot and dry seasons. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea (Lemmon) Bartel does not require much fertilizer, and over-fertilization can lead to stunted growth and other plant diseases. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, using a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients without damaging its root system.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Mendocino Cypress, but it can be beneficial to maintain its size and shape. It is best to prune the plant in the early spring before new growth emerges. Dead or damaged branches should be pruned promptly to prevent the spread of diseases. When pruning, it is essential to use sharp and sterile pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Methods of Propagation for Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea (Lemmon) Bartel
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea is a slow-growing plant that can be propagated through different methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature cones that have opened and released their seeds. It is essential to collect seeds from the native range as other areas may have genetically different populations. After collection, seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place and stratified for at least 60 days before sowing. Stratification is done by placing seeds in a container of slightly moistened sand, peat, or vermiculite to mimic winter conditions. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in individual containers or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or summer from semi-hardwood growth. Semi-hardwood cuttings are from shoots that have partially matured and hardened, but have not turned brown and become woody. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least one node that can produce roots. The cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a container with a well-draining soil mix. The container should be kept moist and in a shaded area until roots form, after which, it can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Layering Propagation
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea can also be propagated through layering. Layering involves bending a low branch of a mature plant to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil. The buried section of the branch will form roots while still attached to the parent plant. After roots form, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted in a container or directly into the ground.
Successful propagation of Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea requires patience due to its slow growth rate. However, with the right conditions and techniques, the plant can be propagated through various methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea
Cupressus goveniana Gord. ssp. pygmaea, commonly known as pygmy cypress, is a small and slow-growing tree that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper management and care can prevent the occurrence and spreading of these problems, promoting the health and longevity of the plant.
Common Diseases
Pygmy cypress is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Sphaeropsis tip blight: a fungal infection that causes the tips of the branches to turn brown and eventually die. It spreads through infected pruning tools and can be managed with proper pruning techniques and fungicides.
- Cypress canker: a fungal infection that causes oozing resin and cankers on the trunk and branches. It can be managed by removing infected wood and applying fungicides.
- Phytophthora root rot: a waterborne fungal infection that causes root decay and foliage discoloration. It can be prevented by avoiding over-watering, improving soil drainage, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
Pygmy cypress is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Cypress tip moth: a small moth that feeds on the tips of the branches, causing brown and dead foliage. Pruning and removing infested branches can help manage the population.
- Cypress bark beetle: a tiny beetle that burrows into the bark, causing wilting and death of branches. Removing infested trees and applying insecticides can help manage the problem.
- Spider mites: tiny arachnids that feed on the foliage, causing yellowing and wilting. Regular care, including watering and fertilization, can prevent infestations.
To effectively manage diseases and pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and promptly address any issues that arise. Additionally, proper cultural practices, including regular watering, fertilization, and pruning, can help keep the plant healthy and resilient to external stressors.
