Hesperocyparis macnabiana

Common Names

MacNab Cypress, McNab Cypress, MacNab's Cypress, McNab's Cypress, Shasta Cypress

Summary

MacNab cypress is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to northern California, typically 3–12 m tall with a broad spreading crown. Dense flat sprays of blue-green, aromatic foliage with scale-like leaves 1–2 mm long yield a spicy-resinous scent. Bark is rough and furrowed, and branchlets form flat sprays. Seed cones are oblong-ovoid to cuboid, 15–25 mm long, usually with six scales and prominent umbos; cones are strongly serotinous, opened by heat after wildfire. Occurrences often on serpentine soils in chaparral and foothill woodlands of the region.

For cultivation, sun to partial shade and well-drained soil are preferred; drought-tolerant once established; hardy to USDA zones 6–10. Common landscape uses include informal screen and bank stabilization, with evergreen texture and fragrance adding year-round interest. Wildlife value includes attraction for butterflies, caterpillars, and birds; deer do not browse the plant but may damage branches during rut. Fire-adapted regeneration relies on heat-triggered cone opening to release seeds after fire.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

9 ft 10 in – 56 ft

Spread

5-20 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, suitable in full to partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining, dry, nutrient-poor serpentine/ultramafic soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

5.00-8.00

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Fall

Foliage Color

Gray-green to blue-green foliage, sometimes yellow-green when first formed

Fall Foliage Color

Evergreen (no fall color)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Fast growing; quickly reaches about 12 ft, then slows to reach about 40 ft.

Seasons of Interest

Fall and Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies and birds