Species Details

Hesperocyparis stephensonii

Cuyamaca cypress

  View Report   Copy Link Calflora eFlora CCH CalPhotos iNaturalist
Photo of Hesperocyparis stephensonii
© 2011 Joey Malone
Photo of Hesperocyparis stephensonii
© 2011 Joey Malone
Photo of Hesperocyparis stephensonii
© 2011 Joey Malone

Species Description:

Hesperocyparis stephensonii, commonly known as Cuyamaca cypress, is a perennial evergreen tree in the Cupressaceae that is found in California and elsewhere. It occurs within Chaparral, Cismontane woodland, Closed-cone coniferous forest, and Riparian forest, growing at elevations from 1035 to 1705 meters. Hesperocyparis stephensonii is ranked 1B.1, Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere; Seriously threatened in California.

Lifeform: perennial evergreen tree
Blooming Period:
JFMAMJJASOND
Elevation:
1035 - 1705 meters
3395 - 5595 feet
General Habitats:
  • Closed-cone coniferous forest
  • Chaparral
  • Cismontane woodland
  • Riparian forest
Microhabitat Details:
Microhabitat:
  • Gabbroic
Notes:
Threatened by alteration of fire regimes, specifically frequent wildfires; the 1950 Conejo fire extirpated plant over part of its range. Possibly threatened by mining Cleveland NF has adopted species management guidelines. Protected in part at King Creek RNA (USFS). A synonym of C. arizonica ssp. arizonica in TJM (1993), but genetic evidence does not support this interpretation.
Threats:
Taxonomy:
Threat List Total: 1
Total EOs % of EOs
EOs with Threat Listed: 3 60 %
THREAT LIST:
Improper burning regime 3 60%
Total Occurrences: 5
Element Occurrence Ranks:
A B C D X U
0 0 0 0 1 4
Occurrence Status:
Historical >20 Years 3
Recent <=20 Years 2
Presence:
Presumed Extant 4
Possibly Extirpated 0
Presumed Extirpated 1
California Endemic:
California Island:
States: Name (Code)
Baja California (BA), California (CA)
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
San Diego (SDG)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Cuyamaca Peak (3211685), Mount Laguna (3211674), Tule Springs (3211686)
Notes:
Definitions of codes following a county and/or quad:
* Presumed extirpated
(?) Occurrence confirmed, but possibly extirpated
Quad and county data is imported from the CNDDB. Species may be present in other areas where conditions are favorable. These data should NOT be substituted for pre-project review or for on-site surveys.
Presumed Extant
Click on quad for name. Hold Shift Key to use mouse scroll wheel
}