Sonoma Pygmy Cypress Stand

Map     Satellite

Some 48 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of the nearest stand, this site is the southernmost extension of the range of the Mendocino cypress, Cupressus pygmaea. This cypress is also called the Pygmy cypress as it is often found on extremely acid, sterile podzol soil that is developed on old beach terraces, where it remains stunted, reaching a height of only a few meters. (On better soils the tree may reach heights in excess of 30 meters (100 feet)).

Here the stand is stunted and the trees are growing on a Blacklock soil type similar to that of the "pygmy forests" of Mendocino.

Integrity: The area appears undisturbed. It is now wholly within the Salt Point State Park.

Use: Research, education, light recreation

Ref: Jenny H., R. J. Arkley and A. M. Schultz, 1969. The Pygmy Forest-Podsol Ecosystem and Its Dune Associates of the Mendocino Coast. Madrono, Vol. 20, p. 60-74.

February 1975

Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman

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