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Monterey Cypress Gold Crest Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'
Phonetic Spelling
hes-per-oh-SY-pair-iss ma-kro-KAR-pa
Description

Lemon Cypress or 'Gold Crest' is a cultivar of the Monterey Cypress, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, with a narrow, columnar habit and needled evergreen, bright yellow foliage. While Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, the primary species, is one of the largest of the cypress and can reach 80 feet high, a mature 'Goldcrest' would reach a height of 40 feet with a growth rate of about 10 inches a year. Although it shares a name with another cultivar, 'Gold Crest Wilma', the two should not be confused. 'Gold Crest Wilma' is a dwarf cultivar, suitable for containers, slower growing with tighter branching. 

'Gold Crest' tolerates a range of soil pH but needs well-drained soil and thrives in sandy soils. It can be grown in a container, but be sure to water regularly and prune in the spring to control growth. It is an easy to grow plant with bright yellow color and informal habit. It is often grown as a lawn specimen and will stand up to salt wind.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

Susceptible to cypress aphids and honey fungus. Armillaria, Phytophthora, root rot, and coryneum canker are disease problems.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Hesperocyparis macrocarpa.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscapes:
Collector’s Garden Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Crevice Garden at the Guilford County Extension Center
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Goldcrest Wilma'
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#specimen#low maintenance#salt spray tolerant#needled evergreen#border planting#evergreen tree#Guilford Crevice Garden#container plant#hedge#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Goldcrest Wilma'
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#specimen#low maintenance#salt spray tolerant#needled evergreen#border planting#evergreen tree#Guilford Crevice Garden#container plant#hedge#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hesperocyparis
    Species:
    macrocarpa
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 40 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Columnar
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits. Male and female cones.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Insignificant
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Description:
    No flowers, evergreen
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Soft, bright gold, juvenile foliage that last year round and give off a lemony scent when crushed.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Hedge
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil
    Salt