Cupressus (Chamaecyparis) - Cypress

This family has recently been created by increased by including Chamaecyparis and some hybrids. They are mainly planted but Cupressus lawsoniana and Cupressus pisifera can be self-sown. X Cuprocyparis leylandii is always planted as it is sterile. As the hybrid was bred in the UK, it counts as one of our four native conifers, Yew, Scots Pine and Juniper are the others.

Cupressus lawsoniana - Lawson's Cypress. This is a variable tree with many cultivars. The ultimate branchlets are flattened and mainly spreading in one plane. Underneath they are waxy-white, although often this is just seen in the joints between the scales. The leaves have an acute tip. There is a distinctive, translucent gland in the centre of the median leaves. When crushed it smells of a resinous, parsley-like scent. Cones are 7- 9 mm.

X Cuprocyparis leylandii (Cupressus macrocarpa x Xanthocyparis nootkatensis) - Leyland Cypress (pictures awaited). This has dark red-brown bark. The foliage is in two planes. Leaves are dark green above and yellow-green below with no translucent glands. Cones are rare.

Cupressus pisifera - This is a variable tree with many cultivars. The ultimate branchlets are flattened and mainly spreading in one plane. The leaves have an acuminate curved tip. There may be an indistinct, translucent gland in the centre of the median leaves.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana NS 8049 2Oct2020 PW

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana NS7947 26Sep2020 MP

Overall the leaves are in a two-dimensional plane.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana NS7947 26Sep2020 MP

This two-dimensional arrangement of the leaves is in contrast to the more disordered three-dimensional of Cupressus macrocarpa x Xanthocyparis nootkatensis “Leyland Cypress”.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana NS 5464 16Feb2018 PW

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana NS5464 16Feb2018 PW

These glands are easily seen holding up a frond to the light.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana NS5464 16Feb2018 PW