Species Nootka cypress

Nootka cypress

Cupressus nootkatensis ( syn. Chamaecyparis )

Also Known As - yellow cedar
Nootka cypress is an evergreen native to the Pacific Northwest. It is a conifer that grows up to 90 feet tall with reddish-brown scaly bark and a dense, broadly pyramidal crown of bright green foliage. The foliage is divided into fine, needle-like leaflets which have a wax-like texture. The species is very wind tolerant and drought tolerant once established. Nootka cypress gives an elegant look with its wide green bushy foliage making it suitable for both screens and hedges. It can also be used as an attractive single specimen tree in the garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5

Flowers:

No flowers, Green-yellow Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Nootka cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis) should be watered once a week with approximately 1 inch of water each time. Make sure to soak the soil completely and then wait for it to dry out completely before watering again. The amount of water can be increased if temperatures rise above 80°F, as this will cause the plant to use more water. A good way to ensure you are not over-watering is to water until the first few drops of water come out of the bottom of the pot. You should also remember to avoid wetting the foliage of the plant.

sunlight

Nootka cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis) must receive adequate sunlight in order to thrive and flourish. It grows best in full sunlight, requiring at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth. As with most plants, the amount of sunlight required can vary depending on the season. In the summer, Nootka cypress needs longer hours of sunlight, up to 8 to 9 hours of direct sunlight. In the winter, the plant can withstand or tolerate shorter days as less sunlight is available. However, the amount of light should never be drastically reduced, as it can cause stress and weak growth. Nootka cypress prefers bright light but full shade is tolerated, although the plant may not flower or produce fruits under such conditions.

pruning

Nootka cypress generally does not require any kind of pruning, as long as it is given enough space to grow and reach its mature form. However, if you need to control size or for cosmetic purposes, pruning can be done in the late winter or early spring. Start pruning back branches that are at least 1-third of the total length of the tree or shrub to keep the right balance. Make sure when you are finished that the top of the shrub or tree is wider than the bottom. Trim any dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. Pruning should be done judiciously and should not be excessive.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Nootka cypress typically begins flowering in April.

Hardiness Map