Origin
Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii (Jepson) Beauchamp, commonly known as Forbes Cypress, is a subspecies of the Guadalupe cypress tree. The tree is native to the Channel Islands of Southern California, specifically on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel Islands.
Common Names
Forbes Cypress is commonly known as Forbes' Cypress, Santa Cruz Island Cypress, or Santa Rosa Cypress.
Uses
Forbes Cypress is mainly used as an ornamental tree due to its attractive pyramidal shape and its distinctive bluish-grey foliage. Due to its unique shape and color, it is often planted in parks, gardens, and other public spaces. It is also used in erosion control techniques since it can help stabilize soil on hillsides.
General Appearance
The Forbes Cypress can grow up to 50 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a pyramidal shape. The bark is thin, smooth, and fibrous with a red-brown color. At the top of the tree, the small branches are upright and the lower branches droop down. The leaves are scale-like and carried in opposite pairs. The leaves have a blue-grey color with a white stripe underneath. The cones are small, spherical, and have a grayish-brown color.
The Forbes Cypress is an evergreen tree and can tolerate drought and salt spray, making it an ideal plant for coastal areas. The tree is slow-growing and can live up to 1000 years.
Growth Conditions for Cupressus guadalupensis ssp. forbesii
Cupressus guadalupensis ssp. forbesii, commonly known as Forbes' cypress, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that is native to the Guadalupe Island in Mexico. This tree is typically found growing in the wild at elevations ranging from 150 to 450 meters above sea level. Here are the growth conditions that this particular plant species favors:
Light
Forbes' cypress prefers full sun exposure to flourish. However, it can tolerate some partial shade. Therefore, it is advised to plant it in an area that receives adequate sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature
This tree species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from cool to tropical temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is essential to note that this tree can withstand cold temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and remains unaffected by heat and drought.
Soil Requirements
Forbes' cypress can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and rocky soils. However, it prefers well-drained soil, which is not water-logged or too moist. The soil pH should fall in the range of 6.5 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. It is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter to improve its overall quality.
Cultivation methods
The Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii (Jepson) Beauchamp is a drought-tolerant tree species that prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant can grow up to 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It is easy to propagate through its seeds or cuttings. The best time to transplant the plant is during the fall or winter, when the tree is dormant.
Watering needs
The tree requires little water once established, but regular watering is necessary during the first year after planting. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between irrigations. Overwatering can cause the tree to rot and die.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for this plant, but it can benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied in early spring. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the tree.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the tree's shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation. The best time to prune is during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean and sharp tools and make cuts at a slight angle just outside the branch collar. Avoid over-pruning, as this can make the tree vulnerable to pests and disease.
Propagation of Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii (Jepson) Beauchamp
Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii, commonly known as Forbes' cypress or Tecate cypress, is a rare evergreen conifer species that is found in Southern California and Mexico. Propagation of this plant can be done both by seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii can be collected from cones. The cones of the plant ripen within two years of pollination. They can be collected in late summer or early fall when they turn brown in color. The cones can be stored in a dry place until they open up on their own and release the seeds. The seeds can then be cleaned and stratified for at least six weeks to break their dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining mix of sand and peat moss. They should be kept moist and in partial shade until they germinate. This process can take several weeks to several months.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii can also be propagated through various vegetative methods, including cuttings and grafting. Softwood cuttings taken in early summer from lateral stems of the current year's growth can be rooted in a well-draining medium and kept under mist until they root. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer can also be rooted using the same method. Grafting can be done by using the scion wood of the plant and grafting it onto a rootstock of a related Cupressus species. This method is more complex and requires skill and expertise in grafting techniques.
Disease Management for Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii (Jepson) Beauchamp
Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii (Jepson) Beauchamp is susceptible to various diseases like cankers, diebacks, root rots, and rust. Cankers and diebacks are caused by fungal infections that attack the bark and wood of the plant, leading to stem discoloration, wilting, and eventual death. Root rots are caused by water molds like Phytophthora and Pythium that attack the roots, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and leaf drop. Rust is caused by fungi that cause yellow or orange pustules on the leaves and stems of the plant.
To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to maintain optimal growing conditions, such as proper irrigation, soil drainage, and air circulation. Pruning of infected branches and disposal of infected plant debris can also reduce the spread of disease. In severe cases, fungicides may be required, but caution should be taken to avoid applying chemicals during hot or windy weather.
Root rots can be managed by avoiding overwatering and maintaining proper drainage. Planting in well-drained soil and avoiding compacted soil can also reduce the incidence of root rots. If signs of root rot are present, it is essential to improve soil conditions, transplant the plant, or use fungicides that are formulated for soil application.
For rust, it is important to avoid overhead watering and to maintain proper air circulation. Removing infected leaves and disposing of them can also prevent the spread of disease. Fungicidal sprays may be necessary in severe cases, but careful attention should be paid to timing and application to avoid unintended harm to the plant.
Pest Management for Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii (Jepson) Beauchamp
Cupressus guadalupensis S. Wats. ssp. forbesii (Jepson) Beauchamp is not typically affected by pests, but some insects like spider mites, juniper scale, and aphids can cause damage to the plant. Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and discoloration of the needles. Juniper scale is a tiny insect that feeds on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing deformation and distortion of leaves.
To manage pests, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and detect signs of infestation early. Pruning infected or infested branches and disposing of them can reduce the spread of pests. Natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the garden to control aphids and other pests. In severe cases, insecticidal sprays may be necessary, but care should be taken to avoid harming beneficial insects and pollinators.
