Baker Cypress

Baker cypress (Hesperocyparis bakeri, Cupressaceae; formerly Cupressus bakeri) is a rare native conifer from southwestern Oregon (Jackson and Josephine counties) and northern California at elevations of 3,500 to 7,000 feet. It is usually a small tree or shrub under 50 feet tall (occasionally exceeding 70 feet) with slow, open, spreading growth. Reddish-brown, peeling bark and gray-green scale-like leaves (2 millimeters) are distinctive. Seed cones remain closed until opened by wildfire.

Baker cypress grows in full sun on well-drained soil, hardy in Zones 5a to 8b. No cultivars, pest associations, or disease associations are documented.