Cypress, Italian
Cupressus sempervirens
Cupressaceae - Cypress

Description

Leaves: Scale-like or awl shaped on juvenile or fast-growing twigs; overlap in four rows to cover twig similar to junipers; evergreen; green to dark-green.

Twigs/buds: Twigs covered by foliage so not noticed. Buds small; inconspicuous.

Flowers/fruit: Monoecious. Pollen cones small, yellow, releasing pollen in spring; female cones nearly round, maturing in two growing seasons into a round, woody cone; 1" diameter; brown; with 6 to 8 shield-shaped scales, somewhat similar to baldcypress.

Bark: Scaly; red-brown.

Wood: Unimportant.

General: Native to southern Europe and western Asia. Naturally found in warm, fairly dry areas. Many of the native trees have the narrow, columnar canopy commonly found in all of the cultivars. Shade intolerant.

Landscape Use: Generally only for use in warm, dry climates - not very cold-hardy. I had only seen it in Utah in the St. George area, though more recently I have seen several good-sized trees growing around a motel parking lot in Moab. Very formal appearance. Zones 7-9.

Cultivars: 'Glauca', 'Roylei', 'Stricta', 'Swane's Golden' or 'Swain's Gold'.

Characteristics

General

Family Cupressaceae - Cypress
Cultivar Availability Yes
Hardiness Zone 7-9
Type Conifer
Utah Native No

Growth

Growth Rate Medium
Mature Height High
Longevity High
Is Good Under Power Lines No
Crown Shapes Pyramidal

Ornamental

Bark Yes
Fall Color No
Flowers No
Foliage Yes
Fruit Yes

Tolerance

Shade Low
Salt Medium
Drought High
Poor Drainage Low
Alkalinity High
Transplanting Medium