The Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa or Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) is an iconic coniferous tree. It's one of several species of cypress trees endemic to California. Not only is it magnificent to witness, it also smells magnificent - crush a handful of leaves in your hand and breathe in their fresh lemony smell. If you plan to visit the central coast of California, take time to appreciate the beauty of the native stands of Monterey Pine (a coniferous evergreen), Coast Live Oaks, and above all, the native stands of Monterey Cypress. They grow along the coast in town and at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. 

If you want to see numerous examples of the natural beauty of the pattern of Monterey Cypress growth, add the drive south of Monterey along the ocean to your must-do list. “The Lone Cypress” has been the subject of countless photos as it stands alone on a rock between 17-Mile Drive and the Pacific Ocean. It recently lost a large limb but remains as picturesque as ever. The “Old Veteran” tree at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve also recently succumbed to a storm and gravity and was reduced in grandeur when the northern half of the tree fell into the ocean. Nevertheless, it's still well worth a trip to Point Lobos to traverse the Cypress Grove trail.

Here is a gallery of images of full-size Monterey Cypress.

It can be challenging to create a bonsai that faithfully replicates the windswept features found naturally in the Monterey Cypress along the central coast. It's worth it though, just look at these examples!

Monterey Cypress bonsai by Katsumi Kinoshita, started around 1950; gallery of cypress bonsai from Eric.

Outside it’s natural habitat, the Monterey cypress has been planted widely in California with an abundance of trees along the San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino coastlines. Many of the coastal trails in San Francisco are abundant with beautiful Cypress examples. The deep lemony aroma is abundant as you walk along these trails!