(Cupressus arizonica)
Family:
Cupressaceae
Description
Evergreen tree with conical crown and stout, horizontal branches. Height is 40–47 ft. (12–21 m). Diameter is 1–2 ft. (0.3–0.6 m). Leaves are 0.06 in. (1.5 mm) long, scale-like and keeled. They are dull gray-green, mostly with gland-dot that exudes whitish resin. Bark varies from gray or dark brown, rough and furrowed, to reddish-brown, smooth, thin and peeling. Cones are 0.75–1.25 in. (2–3 cm) in diameter. They are dark reddish-brown with a bloom, round, sharp-pointed and hard scales.
Habitat
Coniferous woodlands on coarse, rocky soils. Also in pure stands or with pinyons and junipers. Native to New Mexico.
Discussion
This tree is often grown for Christmas trees. The durable wood is used locally for fenceposts.