Cupressus macrocarpa

Monterey cypress is in the cypress or Cupressaceae family. It has a narrow native range confined to two small areas on the central coast of California at Cypress Point in Pebble Beach and at Point Lobos near Carmel.

The species has been planted widely outside its native range, particularly in the cool moist areas along the west coast of North America, mainly in Oregon and California but also British Columbia and Washington. It also has been planted in a variety of countries in Europe. In open conditions, its form spreads dramatically with age, becoming very scenic.

• Leaves are scale-like and very small, with pointed tips tight to the shoot, opposite pairs of scales to produce a square twig.
• Species is monoecious. Males are small, yellow pollinators near the branch tips; females are small, light green.
• Cones in late summer are round, up to 3 cm in diameter, 8 to 12 scales each with a short point on each scale; they are initially green, turning brown at maturity.
• The Goldcrest cultivar, which interestingly does not much resemble the form of its parent, is a notable bright green colour and is quite popular.