Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, commonly known as Nootka Cypress or Yellow Cedar, is an evergreen tree native to the moist, cool environments of the Pacific Northwest, including coastal and subalpine areas, as well as bogs in British Columbia and the Northwestern USA. It can grow up to 40 meters (131 ft) tall, and exceptionally to 60 meters (200 ft), with trunk diameters ranging from 3.4 to 4 meters (11 to 13 ft). The bark is initially thin, smooth, and purplish but matures to a flaky and gray texture. The branches are pendulous with foliage in flat sprays, and the dark green scale-leaves measure 3–5 millimeters (1⁄8–3⁄16 in) long. The winged seeds are small, limiting their dispersal range, and only a small percentage are viable. The drooping branchlets contribute to the tree’s graceful weeping appearance.

Nootka Cypress is valued for its elegant form and is often used as a specimen tree in parks and open spaces. It can also serve as a tall hedge. While it can be challenging to grow, it thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9. The tree prefers light to heavy, well-drained soils and cool summer climates. It tolerates semi-shade to full sun exposure. The cultivar ’Pendula’ has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its distinctive weeping form. In cultivation, it requires low to medium amounts of water and can adapt to various soil drainage conditions. It is also notable for its use in bonsai. However, gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as root rot in poorly drained soils and susceptibility to cypress canker disease.CC BY-SA 4.0