Species Yellow-Cedar
green leaves on gray branches and trunks

Yellow-Cedar

Callitropsis nootkatensis

Yellow-Cedar is a coniferous evergreen tree that is native to the west coast of North America. This species is also known as Nootka Cypress or Alaska Cedar and has a pyramidal growth habit and conical shape. The bark is reddish-brown and the foliage is a deep green in the summertime. In the winter, the leaves become yellowish-green and the young shoots are a yellow-green. The cone-shaped fruit of the Yellow-Cedar are a dark brown with scales that are greyish near the tip. The tree can reach heights of up to 66 feet and can live up to 500 years. Its wood is very durable, resistant to rot, and known for its high quality, making it a popular choice for lumber.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Partial Shade, Shade

Soil:

Clay, Sand, Loam

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

Yellow-Cedar should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week. In order to be able to properly water the plant, the soil should be checked for moisture before watering. For best results, it is recommended to water the plant in the morning so that the foliage will be dry by nightfall, which helps to prevent fungal diseases. In periods of drought or extreme heat, it is advisable to increase watering frequency slightly. If the plant is grown in a container, it should be checked for moisture every few days and watered as needed. However, avoid overwatering when possible.

sunlight

Yellow-Cedar grows best in bright, indirect sunlight throughout most of the day. Ideal exposure for this species is about 4 to 6 hours of sun each day, with protection from the scorching mid-day sun rays. Providing optimal light conditions for yellow-cedar will create full, dense foliage and encourage its lush, upright growth.

pruning

Yellow Cedar should be pruned in the late winter or early spring (February-April) when it is still actively growing. Prune only when new growth begins and avoid pruning before new growth appears. Pruning should be moderate, removing only a quarter of the plant's growth each year. This will help promote strong growth and maintain the plant's natural form and size. Pruning should focus on removing dead or diseased branches, as well as any awkward or compacted shoots. Any branches growing in undesirable directions can also be removed.

Season

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

Yellow-Cedar typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map