The structures often referred to as “cypress tree berries” appear frequently in landscapes, prompting curiosity about their identity and safety. These small, round, green, or brown objects resemble fruit, leading to the common assumption they are berries. Understanding the true nature of these structures is important, especially for those concerned about garden toxicity or ingestion risks. This article clarifies what these objects are from a biological standpoint and what risks they may pose.
Botanical Identity: Why They Are Not True Berries
Cypress trees belong to the Cupressus genus, part of the conifer family. Conifers are cone-bearing plants, not flowering plants that produce true berries. Botanically, a true berry is a fleshy fruit derived from a single flower’s ovary. The structures found on cypress trees are actually female seed cones, which are the reproductive organs of the conifer.
These female cones are sometimes referred to by the specialized term “galbulus,” reflecting their unique, nearly spherical shape. The galbulus is composed of several woody or leathery scales that interlock tightly to protect the developing seeds inside. Unlike the soft, pulpy flesh of a berry, this structure is robust and protective.
The spherical shape and sometimes slightly fleshy texture of immature cones contribute to their misidentification as berries. The function of these cones is to house and protect the small, often winged seeds until they are ready for dispersal. Many cypress species release their seeds only after a heat event causes the protective scales to open.
Common Cypress Structures and Appearance
The appearance of cypress cones varies significantly across the many species planted in yards and parks, complicating visual identification. True cypress trees, such as the Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), produce cones that are typically round, glossy, and possess a distinctive woody texture when mature. These cones are approximately one inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Another widely distributed variety is the Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica), which features globose cones that are dark reddish-brown. These cones are slightly smaller, generally ranging from three-quarters of an inch to one inch across. They are characterized by six to eight shield-shaped, woody scales that are often slightly pointed or ridged.
The variation in color, size, and scale structure highlights why relying on a single visual cue can be misleading. Regardless of the species, these structures are consistently hard, scaled, and lack the soft, watery flesh of a true berry.
Safety Concerns: Toxicity and Ingestion Risks
Consuming any part of the cypress tree, including the cones, is ill-advised and potentially harmful. Cypress plants contain concentrated volatile oils, such as alpha-pinene, camphene, and delta-3-carene, present throughout the foliage and cones. Alpha-pinene is often the most abundant component.
Ingestion of cypress material can lead to significant digestive upset due to these compounds. Concentrated cypress extracts have also been associated with potential kidney irritation. Cypress is not reliably safe for consumption, and pregnant individuals are particularly advised to avoid it, as high doses of the essential oil are considered neurotoxic.
A serious danger involves confusing cypress cones with the reproductive structures of the Yew tree (Taxus species), which is highly toxic. While cypress cones are woody and scaled, the Yew produces a soft, red, cup-shaped structure called an aril that surrounds a single, poisonous seed. Yew trees contain taxine alkaloids, which are cardiotoxic and can cause rapid, life-threatening symptoms, including sudden cardiac arrest, even in small doses. If any part of a cypress or yew is accidentally consumed, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Non-Ingestive Applications
While the raw cones and foliage are not safe for internal use, the extracted oils and wood of the cypress tree have several commercial applications. Cypress essential oil, typically steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs, is widely used in aromatherapy and perfumery. The oil is valued for its fresh, woody scent and is incorporated into fragrances and cosmetic formulations.
In topical applications, the oil is sometimes diluted and used in massage blends for its purported vasoconstrictive and decongestant properties. This external use bears no relation to consuming the raw plant material. Beyond the oils, the cypress tree is prized for its timber, which is durable and resistant to decay. The trees are also widely used in landscaping as ornamental specimens, windbreaks, and privacy hedges.