Mediterranean Cypress

(Cupressus sempervirens)

Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Xedoo

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Xedoo

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Xedoo | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Xedoo | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Cupressus-sempervirens-xedoo.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Location taken: Merrifield Garden Center, Fairfax VA USA. Names: Magnolia x loebneri 'Merrill', Dr. Merrill Magnolia, Loebner Magnolia, Merrill Magnolia, Saucer Magnoli Classification: Plantae > Trach... |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Cupressus sempervirens, commonly known as Mediterranean Cypress, is an evergreen tree native to the arid regions, cliffs, and rocky slopes of the East Mediterranean and Middle East. It typically grows to 35 m (115 ft) tall with a conic crown, level branches, and variably loosely hanging branchlets, and is known for its longevity, with some specimens living over 1,000 years. The foliage is dense and dark green, contributing to the tree’s elegant appearance. The species is renowned for its tall, narrow form and has been widely cultivated as an ornamental tree for millennia, not only in its native range but also throughout the Mediterranean region, California, southwest South Africa, southern Australia, the British Isles, New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, Florida, and coastal southern United States.

Mediterranean Cypress is valued for its striking vertical form, making it a popular choice for formal gardens, avenues, and as a feature in landscape design. It is also used as a windbreak and for privacy screening. This tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it thrives in full sun. It requires medium amounts of water and can tolerate drought once established. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to cypress canker, which can lead to branch dieback. In some regions, it is considered invasive and should be planted with care.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 40-70 feet
Width: 10-20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Arid regions, cliffs, and rocky slopes of the East Mediterranean and Middle East

Other Names

Common Names: Italian Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Persian Cyprus, Pencil Pine, Echte Zypresse, Mittelmeer-Zypresse, Italienische Zypresse, Ciprès, Ciprés Común, Ciprés Italiano

Scientific Names: , Cupressus sempervirens, Cupressus horizontalis, Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis, Cupressus fastigiata, Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta, Cupressus pyramidalis, Cupressus sempervirens var. fastigiata, Cupressus sempervirens var. numidica, Cupressus mariae

GBIF Accepted Name: Cupressus sempervirens L.