Discover the incredibly rare Hesperocyparis stephensonii, also known as the Cuyamaca Cypress, which is endemic to southern California. This tree is critically endangered, with a native population reduced to just thirty to forty individual trees due to the devastating Cedar Fire of 2003. The species can be found only in the headwaters area of King Creek, within the Cuyamaca Mountains of the Peninsular Ranges system. One of the main distinguishing characteristics is the color of the smooth bark, which ranges from pink to grey to pure white. The mature form is much more spreading than its close relative, Cupressus arizonica. Don't miss the chance to see this unique species!
