Callitropsis nootkatensis

Nootka Cypress is a needled evergreen tree in the cypress family native to the Pacific coast from Alaska to northern California. In its native habitat, it is commonly found growing along streams and ravines and other areas with moist soils. The species' name derives from the geographic area it is found in the Nootka Sound of British Columbia.

It typically grows slowly to 30 to 45 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. In the wild, it can grow rapidly, adding one or more feet of growth per year.  Specimens up to 90 feet tall have been observed.  Grow in average moist soils with good drainage in full sun to partial shade.  Spring is the best season for shaping and encouraging new growth while fall is the best time for removing damaged branches and other general maintenance.

It has graceful pendulous branches that upsweep at the ends and flattened sprays of gray-green or blue-green foliage. The underside of the leaves has no white markings and when bruised or rubbed together produces a foul odor.

It is grown as a specimen tree or along pond and stream edges in the mountainous areas of NC. It May not be easy to find a supplier of this tree.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Although generally pest free, susceptible to beetle borers and spider mites, phytophthora, root rot, and rust.  It cannot tolerate maritime exposure or atmospheric pollution.