cupressus

( kuh - PRESS - uss )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly 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.

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. Many species have been moved to other closely related genera, including Hesperocyparis. 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 atlantica (Moroccan Cypress)
Native to Morocco, this species is critically endangered due to overgrazing by goats. Foliage is blue-green and there is a resin spot on each leaf. Trees can reach up to 115 feet tall in their native range, but are typically seen much smaller in garden cultivation.

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 duclouxiana (Chinese Cypress, Yunnan Cypress)
This species is endemic to China. It prefers to grow in deep river gorges in mountain forests. Most wild populations of this species have been cut down due to logging activities in their native range. In May 2023, a member of this species was crowned the tallest tree in Asia at 336 feet tall.

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 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 gigantea (Tibetan Cypress)
These trees are endemic to southeast Tibet and China. This species is the largest in the genus, the largest known specimen being 164 feet tall.
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.
' Stricta' ('Fastigiata') (Columnar Italian Cypress)
A classic Mediterranean landscaping plant with green foliage. Forms a dense, narrow tree reaching 60 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide.
'Glauca'
​(Blue Italian Cypress)
​A narrow tree reaching 60 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide. A classic landscaping plant for Mediterranean landscapes with blue-green foliage.
'Swane's Golden'
Narrow columnar form with gold-yellow new foliage.
'Tiny Tower'
A smaller variety, only reaching 8 feet tall and 2 feet wide in 10 years, with deep blue-green foliage.

Caring for and pruning Cupressus Trees

Choose a planting site that receives full sun. These trees need 6 hours minimum of full sun exposure each day for optimal growth. These trees thrive in well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy. They prefer soil to have an acidic to neutral pH (between 5.0 and 7.5). Apply a layer of mulch around the base of trees after installation to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth and regulate soil temperature fluctuations. Young trees will need consistent moisture until they are established in the landscape. Mature trees should be watered deeply; allow the top few inches of soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent fungal diseases from taking hold. These plants do not need to be fertilized, but a dressing with organic compost in springtime of every year is recommended to keep soil fertile. If trees seem to be struggling, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early springtime to support the year's growth. The best time to prune these trees is in late winter or early springtime; prune in dry weather to avoid foliage and vascular diseases from developing. Keep pruning slight; heavy cuts tend to stress out these trees. For the most part, they take beautiful natural forms when left to their own devices, and really do not need much in the way of pruning.

Propagation

Cypress trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Cupressus by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. Between the months of January and March, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a branch and strip the leaves off the lower two inches. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new tree.

Problems and Pests

These trees are typically resistant to most pests and disease, though they can have issues from time to time with the following:
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Root Rot
For more information on these issues, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Cypress trees have a very recognizable look.
These trees are commonly used to line driveways and paths through the landscape.
Here, Cypress trees are used to demarcate a property line.
These evergreens are at home in Mediterranean landscapes.
The beautiful foliage of Chinese Weeping Cypress.
Female Cypress cones.

Videos

All about Italian Cypress.
How to grow these stately, upright trees.

Resources

Cypress Plant Care Guide
How to Grow and Care for Italian Cypress
Wikipedia: Cupressus
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 273, Cupressus (Cypress)
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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