Taxon Report

Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gordon) Bartel

Gowen cypress

Print Report


© 2016 Susan McDougall

Species Description:
Hesperocyparis goveniana, commonly known as Gowen cypress, is a perennial evergreen tree in the Cupressaceae that is found only in California. It occurs within Chaparral (maritime), and Closed-cone coniferous forest, growing at elevations from 30 to 300 meters. Hesperocyparis goveniana is ranked 1B.2, Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere; Moderately threatened in California.

  Classification

Scientific Name:
Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gordon) Bartel
Common Name:
Gowen cypress
Family: Cupressaceae
Element Code: PGCUP04031
USDA Plants Symbol: HEGO3
Synonyms/Other Names:
  • Cupressus goveniana Gordon ssp. goveniana
  • Callitropsis goveniana

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: perennial evergreen tree
Blooming Period:
Elevation: 30-300 (100-985)
General Habitats: Chaparral, Closed-cone coniferous forest
Microhabitat:
Microhabitat Details:

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB

Total Occurrences: 4
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 0
   Good (B) 1
   Fair (C) 0
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 3
California Endemic:  True
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
Monterey (MNT)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Monterey (3612158)

Threat List Data from the CNDDB

Threat List Total: 3
EOs with Threat Listed: Total EOs % of EOs
3 75 %
Development 2 50%
Improper burning regime 2 50%
Non-native plant impacts 2 50%

Notes

Known from only three native occurrences in the Monterey area. Threatened by development and altered fire regimes, and possibly by non-native plants.
Threats:
Taxonomy:
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 23 January 2025].