Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - September 07, 2009

From: Glendora, CA
Region: California
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Mediun-sized tree for southern California, possibly Monterey cypress
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Hello, I live in Glendora CA 91741, I am looking for a CA native non -deciduous medium size tree to provide shade in the front yard. I was thinking of monterey cypress; any suggestions and place to buy the 5 gallon type? Kind Regards.

ANSWER:

The native range of Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) is north of Los Angeles County.  However, it has been planted in warm climates worldwide and has become naturalized from central California to Washington along the coast. You should note, however, the "Conditions Comments" on our Native Plant Database page that says:  "Tremendously susceptible to a canker that kills the tree, especially if it is planted away from cool, coastal breezes."  Here is more information from Conifer.org and here is what Las Pilitas Nursery says about them.  Since Glendora is well away from the coast and its "cool, coastal breezes", I am doubtful that Monterey cypress will be a successful tree for your site.

Here are some other possibilities that you might consider:

Cupressus forbesii (tecate cypress) and here are photos and more information.

Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius (Catalina ironwood) and here are photos and more information.

Morella californica (California wax myrtle) and here are photos and more information.

Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii (hollyleaf cherry) and here are more photos and information.

Prunus virginiana (chokecherry)

You can find nurseries in your area that specialize in native plants by searching in our National Suppliers Directory.

 

More Seed and Plant Sources Questions

Locating Rudbeckia cultivar in San Antonio
April 16, 2010 - Hello, I’m searching for one-gallon plants of Rudbeckia fulgida var. speciosa “Viette’s Little Suzy” to purchase either from a San Antonio or area nursery or through a mail order Texas Grower. Is th...
view the full question and answer

Milkweed species for Central Texas
February 11, 2015 - What milkweed should I plant in the flood plain behind my house on Brushy Creek.
view the full question and answer

Locating source for Crataegus Brazoria (Brazoria Hawthorn)
March 20, 2006 - I want to purchase a Crataegus Brazoria Sarg. (Brazoria Hawthorn) but cannot find a source for one. Can you help?
view the full question and answer

Who does pecan grafting in Brownsville, TX?
June 29, 2009 - Who does pecan tree grafting in Brownsville TX? I planted a pecan. It is now about 8' tall, and about 3 years old.
view the full question and answer

SITES (or CITES) accredited source for native orchids
January 03, 2012 - Do you know of a nursery which is SITES accredited which offer North American native orchids? I grow as a hobby indoor ones as well as keep my eyes out protecting the outside native ones we have: Spir...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.