cupressus
( kuh - PRESS - uss )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Cypress, these evergreen trees need full sun and little to moderate water, though water needs vary somewhat depending on the species. They have tiny, scale leaves closely set along branches. Cones are about the size of golf balls. These trees are easy to care for and do not need much in the way of pruning. Take care when planting these in your landscape, as they release high levels of pollen for seven months out of the year and have a high potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
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cupressus Species and Varietals
The genus Cupressus is a member of the Cypress plant family, Cupressaceae. The number of species within the genus varies depending on the source consulted, from 16 to 25 or more. Most natural populations are relatively small and geographically isolated. The best zones to grow Cypress vary depending on the species; see the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Cupressus arizonica (Arizona Cypress)
Best in zones 7-24, this native of central Arizona reaches 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Foliage ranges from green to bluish-grey to silver, and the tree has rough, furrowed bark. Varieties are outlined below.
Best in zones 7-24, this native of central Arizona reaches 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Foliage ranges from green to bluish-grey to silver, and the tree has rough, furrowed bark. Varieties are outlined below.
Cupressus cashmeriana (Kashmir Cypress, Bhutan Cypress) This species is best in zones 8, 9 and 14-24, native to Kashmir and Tibet. It forms a narrow pyramid to 40-60 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide, with upright main branches that produce flattened branches of aromatic bluish-green foliage. Does best with regular water, and not tolerant of strong winds or high temperatures. |
Cupressus dupreziana (Saharan Cypress, Tarout) This very rare conifer is native to southeast Algeria, where there are just over 200 species left in the population. These trees are occasionally cultivated in Europe, where they are studied for conservation purposes, as well as used as ornamental landscape trees. |
Cupressus forbesii (Tecate Cypress) This species is best in zones 8-14 and 18-20 and is native to the mountain ranges in southern California. It is a low-branching tree reaching 10-25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Bark is cherry red and needles are green. Fast growing; keep on the dry side to slow growth so the tree does not become top-heavy. Great as a hedge or screening tree. |
Cupressus funebris (Chinese Weeping Cypress) These trees are native to Vietnam and China, and reach between 65 and 115 feet tall at maturity. Foliage is bright green. These trees are commonly grown as ornamentals in landscapes, and has a graceful, weeping structure and grows well in warm, temperate regions. |
Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) This species does best in zone 17, and is native to the Monterey Peninsula, California. These trees reach 40 feet or more and spreads just as wide at maturity. Picturesque with age, especially in coastal conditions. Away from the coast, it is susceptible to Coryneum Canker Fungus, an incurable disease. Destroy infected trees to stop further infections. Great when used as a fast-growing windbreak tree for coastal areas. Varieties are described below. |
Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Persian Cypress, Pencil Pine)
This species of Cypress grows well in zones 4-24, H1 and H2 but is best in zones 8-15 and 18-21. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia, and has horizontal branches and dark green foliage. Varieties are described and pictured below.
This species of Cypress grows well in zones 4-24, H1 and H2 but is best in zones 8-15 and 18-21. It is native to southern Europe and western Asia, and has horizontal branches and dark green foliage. Varieties are described and pictured below.
' Stricta' ('Fastigiata') (Columnar Italian Cypress)
This variety is a classic Mediterranean landscaping plant, and has green foliage. A dense, narrow tree reaching 60 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide. |
'Glauca' (Blue Italian Cypress)
A dense, narrow tree reaching 60 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide. A classic landscaping plant for Mediterranean landscapes with blue-green foliage. |
Caring for and pruning Name Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 273, Cupressus (Cypress)
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