20 Interesting Facts about The Monterey Cypress Tree
If you’re a nature lover, then you probably have your fair share of trees and plants that you adore. There is a wide array of different plants, flowers, and trees that might be your favorite. If you have a special fondness for Monterey Cypress trees, then you should be aware that there are many interesting facts about this tree. In fact, there are 20 interesting facts about the Monterey Cypress Tree, and here is an overview of them.
1. Monterey Cypress Trees Have Knees
Monterey Cypress trees are said to have knees, and their “knees” are actually wood-like appendages that form around the tree at a distance of several feet. This amazing wonder typically occurs when these trees grow in swamp-like areas. It has not yet been uncovered why these trees have “knees.” Despite this fact, scientists at the University of Florida believe that when Monterey Cypress trees grow in swampy areas they grow these “knees” to compensate for a different supply of oxygen that is needed.
2. The Monterey Cypress Tree’s Wood Has Unique Uses
The wood of Monterey Cypress trees has always been highly-valued, as it is quite durable as well as resistant to rot. While today it is currently used mostly as mulch to beautify yards, in previous centuries, wood from this tree was used to build boats, water pipes, ladders, railroad ties, stairs, and much more.
3. Monterey Cypress Trees Are Virtually Termite Resistant
For people looking to build a termite-resistant home, the wood of this mighty tree should be used. What makes these trees termite resistant? One reason that makes these trees termite resistant is the fact that the wood is thicker than other types of wood, making it nearly impossible for termites to chew through it. Another reason why these trees are resistant to termites is the fact that termites dislike the smell and taste of cypress, so they won’t invade a home that was built from this type of wood.
4. Monterey Cypress Trees Are Both Male & Female
If you have ever wondered whether a Monterey Cypress Tree is male or female, then wonder no more, as these beautiful trees are both male and female. You can find female and male cones on these trees, and the female cones are approximately one diameter in size, and they’re shiny and round, as well as covered in light brown scales. The male cones are only 1//4 of the size of the females, and they’re yellow and covered in pollen.
5. Monterey Cypress Trees Grow Quickly & Tall
Unlike other trees, Monterey Cypress trees grow exceptionally fast, and it takes about twenty years to reach their full height. These fast-growing trees can grow to be as tall as 150 feet. Monterey Cypress trees can survive in many different climates, although warm, tropical climates enable them to thrive.
6. Monterey Cypress Trees Can Smell Like Lemons
Although Monterey Cypress trees don’t yield lemons, if their leaves are crushed or rubbed, you will detect a faint smell of lemon. For this reason, these trees are often referred to as the “lemon cypress.”
7. The Monterey Cypress Trees Don’t Only Grow in California
Despite the fact the Monterey Cypress trees are native to California, you can find these trees growing around the world. This is not because they naturally grow in areas outside California, but because people adore these trees so much that they choose to plant these trees throughout the world.
8. Monterey Cypress Trees Are Strong and Resilient
Monterey Cypress trees are so strong and resilient that they can grow in just about any type of soil, regardless of how low-quality it might be. This is why so many people are able to successfully grow Monterey Cypress trees outside of the coast of California.
9. Monterey Cypress Trees Planted Overseas
Monterey Cypress trees are often planted in New Zealand, as an ornamental or timber tree. They’re also planted in Australia as shelter belts and wind breaks on farms.
10. Monterey Cypress Trees Are Often Thought to Be Much Older Than They Really Are
Due to the fact that Monterey Cypress trees grow to have such large trunks, many people inaccurately believe that these trees can grow to be as old as 2.000 years or more. However, this has been unfounded, as these trees have been studied, and the oldest Monterey Cypress tree has been found to be about 284 years old.
11. Monterey Cypress Trees Are Low Maintenance Beauties
Monterey Cypress trees are low maintenance and don’t require much care in order to thrive. For this reason, people adore these trees and will go out of their way to ensure that they own at least one.
12. Monterey Cypress Trees Aren’t Good For the Environment
When most people think about trees, the first thing they typically think about is how great they are for the environment. However, Monterey Cypress trees are not good for the environment in some people’s opinions, and they’re actually bad. First of all, they drop needles and sticky sap onto the ground, which makes a huge, unsightly mess. Secondly, these trees can be susceptible to fungus and beetles. In addition, the Monterey Cypress tree is considered to be invasive, as its roots grow out of control, which makes it nearly impossible to garden underneath.
13. The Monterey Cypress Tree is Quite Rare
Many people fail to realize that the Monterey Cypress is the rarest tree in the world and that it grows naturally in only two places: on the granite headlands at Point Lobos as well as on the Monterey Peninsula. This tree is also one of the most attractive trees there is.
14. Water Can Sometimes Kill Monterey Cypress Trees
Monterey Cypress trees are known for being quite tolerant, with the ability to thrive in even some of the worst types of soil. However, these trees do not do well when their “feet” are allowed to remain wet for long periods of time, and Monterey Cypress trees may even perish if left “water-logged” for too long.
15. Monterey Cypress Trees Thrive in Some Unusual Conditions
While Monterey Cypress trees need full sun in order to reach their full potential, these trees also require fog, salty air and wind in order to thrive. Such conditions would cause other trees to wither and die, but not Monterey Cypress trees, as the harsher the weather, the better. These trees have also been painted by many artists, and many photographers have taken gorgeous one-of-a-kind photos of them.
16. Monterey Cypress Tree Will Fail to Grow Large in Shade
While there are many plants and trees that prefer shade to sun, Monterey Cypress trees aren’t one of them. If you plant a Monterey Cypress in a shady area, then it will fail to grow to reach its full potential. In order to grow your Monterey Cypress as large and as healthfully as possible, you need to ensure that your tree receives at least 6-8 hours of full sun on a daily basis. If you have planted young trees in pots, then it’s acceptable to move your trees in and out of the sun each day, as long as they receive a minimum amount of sun each day.
17. Monterey Cypress Trees Require Large, Deep Areas in Which to Grow
Monterey Cypress trees are said to sometimes become invasive because they dig so deeply into the ground and may invade nearby plants. Therefore, if you’re planting a Monterey Cypress tree and you expect it to flourish, then you need to give it plenty of room to implant its roots. It’s not a good idea to plant your trees where they can disrupt sewer and plumbing lines, because any tree’s roots have the tendency to cause plumbing problems if they’re planted too closely to pipes and sewer lines.
18. Monterey Cypress Trees Are Only One Type of Cypress Tree
Although the Monterey Cypress tree is quite well-known and popular, it is not the only type of cypress tree there is. In fact, there are about 25 different types of cypress trees throughout the world that people know and enjoy. Some of the different types of cypress trees even have sub-species, which contribute to the different types available. Some other types of cypress trees, in addition to the Monterey Cypress, include:
- Nootka Cypress Tree – this tree reaches heights that are nowhere near as tall as Monterey Cypress trees, as Nootka Cypress trees typically reach about 30 feet tall.
- Blue Cypress Tree – this tree gets its name from its gorgeous blue-tinged leaves. This tree is gorgeous and is very durable, thriving in most climates.
- Dwarf Cypress Tree – the Dwarf Cypress tree only grows to a maximum height of about 20 feet tall, and they are beautiful because these trees produce beautiful white flowers once each year.
- Chinese Cypress Tree – the Chinese Cypress tree grows mostly in southwest China, although it does grow in other areas. This is one of the rare cypress trees that can thrive in all conditions, even if submerged in as much as two feet of water for extended periods of time.
- Gowen Cypress Tree – this evergreen, cone-shaped tree is only found in certain parts of California and other parts of the Western United States. The Gowen Cypress tree is immense and sometimes grows to be as tall as 160 feet tall, which is pretty impressive.
- Macnab Cypress Tree – MacNab Cypress trees are the second tallest trees in North America, and they can reach a maximum height of about 40 feet tall. These cypresses have a trunk that is very thick, and it has dark green foliage and sizable leaves. The bark of Macnab trees is in layers and is grayish-black. These trees are found in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida.
- Italian Cypress Tree – the Italian Cypress tree grows quite rapidly and is quite unique. What makes this particular tree unique is that, instead of growing from seeds, this tree actually grows from parts of mature trees. Many people adore their Italian Cypress trees, not only because of their extreme beauty, but because their leaves emit a pleasant fragrance when touched.
19. Monterey Cypress Trees – Resistant to Disease
All trees succumb to disease at some time or another, and while the Monterey Cypress tree does sometimes develop disease, it is quite resistant. It takes a very vulnerable Monterey Cypress tree to become sick with some type of disease. Unlike other trees, however, Monterey Cypress trees do develop diseases, but not as often or as severely as other plants and trees do.
20. Monterey Cypress Trees Are Too Large For the Average Backyard
If you’re growing Monterey Cypress trees in your yard, then you should be aware of the fact that these trees sometimes grow so large that they don’t do as well in backyards due to taking up so much space. However, Monterey Cypress trees can bring a great deal of natural beauty to parks and many other large, open spaces.
As you can see, the Monterey Cypress tree is a very hardy and sought-after tree that many people enjoy owning. If you’re looking for a sturdy tree from which to obtain high-quality and attractive wood from in the future, then you might seriously want to opt for a Monterey Cypress tree. Not only do these trees add a significant amount of beauty to your yard or farm, but they don’t require much care, so you can basically forget about this tree and still enjoy its extreme beauty.
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