Cupressus nootkatensis

Weeping Nootka Cypress (Falsecypress)
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Gets 30-45' tall in landscape plantings, but to 60-90' in the wild, and occasionally even to 120' tall. National champion is 126' tall and only 27' wide. Conical shape on top. Branches grow vertically in upper part of tree, then become pendulous. Slow growth rate. Extremely long-lived, to over 1,500 years.

Native Range

U.S. Native — Often found growing along streams and ravines. Native from Costal Alaska to Washington and Oregon. Introduced into cultivation in 1853.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers of mid-spring are monoecious and insignificant in appearance. Male flowers in "pollen cones", each 2-5 mm, grayish-brown to yellow or reddish, female flowers are green. Fruits in green to purplish-brown to dark reddish-brown cones, 0.33-0.5" across, globose, glaucous, becoming resinous, with 4 (sometimes 6) scales, each furnished with a triangular pointed projection ("boss"). Cones ripen their second year.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Foliage is in flattened sprays, pressed closely to the stems, made up of 1/8-1/4" overlapping scales, gray-green to bluish-green on top and bottom sides. No white markings on undersides, which helps separate it from most Chamaecyparis species. Foliage gives off a unique odor when rubbed or bruised. Branchlets may be 4-sided. Bark is reddish-brown to brownish-gray, forming vertical grooves and ridges, and shredding in narrow, vertical strips.

Culture and Care

Prefers deep, moist, loamy soil and a moist, humid environment. Adapts well to poor and thin soils. Fairly drought-tolerant once established. Needs a well-drained site, and is best in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Cold hardy. Zone 4-7(8). Does well at the edge of streams, ravines, water gardens, or other bodies of water. Resistant to most insects and diseases. Susceptible to blights, root rot and bagworms..

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits. 4-season interest: Spring, summer, fall & winter. Formerly known as Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, and Callitropsis nootkatensis. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is considering classifying this species as "threatened or endangered".

Suggested Uses

Makes a good specimen tree or tall hedge.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Cupressus nootkatensis 'Jubilee' // Jubilee Weeping Nootka Cypress (Falsecypress); Alaska-Cedar; Yellow-Cypress
    Tree. 25-35' tall and 5-10' wide. Dark green foliage. Weeping habit. Extremely narrow. Zone 4-7. Somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits.
    BT001013

  • Cupressus nootkatensis 'Pendula' // Weeping Nootka Cypress (Falsecypress); Alaska-Cedar; Yellow-Cypress
    Tree. Grows to 25-45' tall and 8-15' wide, w/ a graceful, weeping habit. One of the most beautiful of the weeping conifers as an accent plant. Good in a privacy screen, as a specimen plant, or at the edge of a water garden, or in a wildlife/woodland garden. Prefers deep, moist, well-drained, fertile, loamy soil & cool, moist, humid summers in areas w/ high rainfall. Needs a well-drained site, and is best in full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Protect from drying winds. Zone 4-7. Has survived -30 degrees F with no subsequent damage. Has become quite popular in eastern U.S. landscapes. Beautiful, elegant, graceful weeping habit. Soft, dark green/gray-green foliage.
    BT004690 - BT004710

  • Cupressus nootkatensis 'Van den Akker' // Van den Akker Weeping Nootka Cypress
    Tree. Soft, scaly foliage is green/blue-green. Habit is extremely narrow. Grows 20-30' tall, but only 2-5' wide, forming a pillar-like spire. Side branches weep down, but grow very close to the trunk, thus maintaining the extremely narrow overall growth habit. Stays less than one foot wide for the first 10+ years. Good plant for small gardens or tight places where a tree is desired. Zone 4-7. Prefers acid, well-drained soil and full sun to light shade. Lacy foliage. Main leader grows straight up, laterals down. Can adapt to various soils, including clay, but not in a low, wet, poorly-drained area. Drought-tolerant once established. Pollution-tolerant. Verticillium wilt resistant. Forms a skirt of branches to the ground at base. Slow to moderate growth rate. .
    BT001808 - BT001809 - BT001811