Monterey Cypress

The Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) is native to the central coast of California, most commonly found near Monterey and Carmel. Its natural habitat is characterized by sea fog and cool, humid summers. Its size varies from 59 feet to 82 feet tall, and it prefers full sun and partial shade. The Monterey cypress became popular in Europe because they grow fast, especially along the shore. However, UC Berkeley and Italian researchers traced a fungus back to California that has killed cypress trees on six continents. This goes to show: planting trees outside of their native range can be dangerous.