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Cupressus sempervirens Common Names: Italian cypress, Mediterranean cypress Family: Cupressaceae (cypress Family) |
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Description
Some cultivars of Italian cypress are remarkably tall, slender, almost pencil
shaped trees. Their heights can reach 80 ft (24 m), but their spreads are seldom
more than 8 ft (2.4 m)! The species and some other cultivars are more typical
conifers with spreading branches and wide crowns. These "ordinary" trees are not
as popular as the pencil shaped trees. The foliage is needle-like and dark green
at all times of the year. Cones develop only in climates that have a cool
winter.
Location
Cupressus sempervirens occurs
naturally in southern Europe and western Asia.
Culture
Italian cypress likes fertile soil with good drainage. It usually thrives with
little attention.
Light: Italian cypress grows
best in full sun.
Moisture: Provide average to
dry conditions once your tree is established.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8-10.
Propagation: Seeds need a
period of cold and moist conditions before they will germinate. The cultivars
are propagated from cuttings.
Usage
This special tree needs a special place, and seldom works in the typical home
landscape. Because of its great height and narrow columnar shape, its best
placement is near the corner of a very tall building to add a vertical accent.
It definitely tests the creativity of a designer, but can be immensely effective
in the right place.
Features
The unique, exclamation-point shape of Italian cypress is an eye catcher!