Monterey Cypress is an evergreen conifer that is columnar or cone shaped when young, but becomes broad and spreading as it ages. Specimens subject to constant sea breezes and salt spray are twisted and contorted. In a grove, away from the seaside, it develops into a tall, straight tree, that can get over 100 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 8 feet. The tiny leaves are scale-like, adpressed to the branchlets, about 1/16th inch long and lemon scented. They grow in erect or spreading feather-like plumes. The cones are light tan, nearly spherical, about an inch and a half in diameter with 8 to 10 tight fitting scales. Monterey Cypress grows best in areas with mild climates, winter rain and cool ocean breezes. It tolerates acidic to slightly alkaline soils and does best in sandy soils.
