Common Name(s):  Gowen Cypress

Scientific Name:  Cupressus goveniana

Distribution:  Endemic to coastal California

Tree Size:  30-50 ft (9-16 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight:  30 lbs/ft³ (480 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .40, .48

Janka Hardness:  570 lb_f (2,520 N)

Modulus of Rupture:  8,250 lb_f/in² (56.9 MPa)

Elastic Modulus:  653,000 lb_f/in² (4.50 GPa)

Crushing Strength:  3,680 lb_f/in² (25.4 MPa)

Shrinkage: No data available; most likely very similar to Monterey Cypress

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a pale yellowish or reddish brown. Narrow sapwood is paler and usually clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, though small knots are sometimes present, creating a more irregular grain pattern. Fine, uniform texture with a good natural luster.

Endgrain:  Resin canals absent; earlywood to latewood transition gradual, color contrast low to medium; tracheid diameter small to medium; parenchyma diffuse.

Rot Resistance:  Rated as moderately durable; mixed resistance to insect attack.

Workability: Overall easy to work with hand and machine tools, though areas around knots can be problematic. Reportedly difficult to steam bend. Glues, stains, and finishes well.

Odor: Most cypresses in the Cupressus genus have a distinct, fragrant scent.

Allergies/Toxicity:  Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Gowen Cypress has been reported to cause skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicityand Wood Dust Safetyfor more information.

Pricing/Availability:  Because of its small size and very limited distribution, Gowen Cypress isn’t used for lumber commercially. Availability is likely to be limited to specialty/hobbyist projects outside of the tree’s natural range.

Sustainability:  This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as vulnerable due to a population estimate numbering under 10,000 mature trees (which continues to decline), and because of a severely fragmented population. Gowen Cypress has also been protected under the United States’ Endangered Species Act since 1998.

Common Uses:  Not generally used for lumber; other closely-related cypresses have been used for utility lumber, fence posts, musical instruments (flamenco guitars), furniture, boatbuilding, and turned objects.

Comments:  Gowen Cypress is a very small tree (sometimes shrub-sized) that is endemic to coastal California and is considered endangered within its natural range. Often, it is found in association with Monterey Cypress.

Monterey Cypress (sanded)

Monterey Cypress (sealed)