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Cuyamaca Cypress Stand

MAP     Satellite

Here, on the south slope of Cuyamaca Peak, in a narrow band perhaps 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) long, is the only known population of the Cuyamaca cypress, Cupressus stephensonii.  This tree has the most restricted range of any tree in California.

The trees greater than 20 years of age probably represent a fire island.  The area was last burned in 1950, though it was barely missed by a 1970 fire.

Young trees are scattered within the chaparral which here includes chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, bigberry manzanita, Arctostaphylos glauca, scrub oak, Quercus sp., and Ceanothus greggii.

Integrity:  There is no development near the area but as this stand is highly susceptible to burning, careful fire suppression measures should be taken.

Use:  Research, education

Ref:  Wolf, Carl  B., 1948.  Taxonomic and Distributional Studies  of the New World Cypresses.  El Aliso Vol. I, p.  1-250.

February 1975  

San Diego
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2005 Steven Louis Hartman

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Last modified: December 06, 2005