Endangered Species in Santa Cruz County - Plants

Santa Cruz Cypress

Scientific Name: Cupressus abramsiana

Status: E

A member of the coniferous cypress family, the Santa Cruz Cypress is a tree ranging from 3-82 ft. in height. The grey bark is fibrous, thin and broken into vertical strips; scale-like leaves are bright green. Currently the species exists in only five populations along a 15-mile range of the Santa Cruz Mountains; the Bonny Doon population is the largest, supporting more than 3000 individuals.

Habitat: Dry ridges above the fog belt, in patches and within a mosaic of coastal chaparral and mixed green vegetation. Distribution of this species is restricted in part by the limited amount of suitable habitat, especially on soils that tend to be poorly developed, sandy or gravelly in texture, and well-drained.

Threats: Most recent data indicates that there are no imminent threats from habitat alteration or destruction, but the species is somewhat threatened by disruption of natural fire cycles, genetic introgression, disease and insect infestation, competition with alien plants, and the potential for oil and gas drilling.

To Learn More:

• CalPhotos - University of CA, Berkeley
  Browseable photographs of the species.
• NatureServe Explorer
  Enter species name in the search box to access detailed description of habitat, current conservation status, ecological and distribution data, with citations to relevant management reports.
• Santa Cruz Public Libraries - Local Resources
  Search SCPL's online catalog for local documents and other information about the species.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  Documents describing protection for this species under the Endangered Species Act. General information about the species as well as plans to protect and help it recover.
• Species Account
  Excerpts from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service documents available at the Central Branch Library

Last updated by teeterj on Oct. 24, 2011