Cypress Mountain
Map SatelliteCypress Mountain has been intruded by a serpentine body in the surrounding Franciscan formation and thus has certain botanical interest. One of the more southerly groves of the Sargent cypress, Cupressus sargentii, is found here, amid a mixed evergreen forest. Other tree species include coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia, gray pine, Pinus sabiniana, and madrone, Arbutus menziesii. Some of the Arctostaphylos spp. are particularly tall and well developed.
On the northern slopes of the mountain are several swampy or bog areas with Juncus sp. and Carex sp. present. The Carex may be an as yet undescribed species. The rare Galium hardhamiae occurs here, as does the uncommon Monardella palmeri.
A spring, which supplies the bogs, provides water for a varied animal population. There are particularly abundant reptile and amphibian populations in the more moist areas.
Integrity: The area has been severely grazed at times.
Use: Research, educational, observational. Most of the area is privately owned.
September 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman