Cupressus Species, Italian Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Pencil Pine

Cupressussempervirens

Family
Cupressaceae (koo-press-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Cupressus (koo-PRESS-us)
Species
sempervirens (sem-per-VY-renz)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Danger
Pollen may cause allergic reaction
Bloom Color
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Other Details
Category
Trees
Conifers
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By grafting
Seed Collecting
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Mobile, Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Tucson, Arizona

Acton, California

Canoga Park, California

Clovis, California

Concow, California

Davis, California

Duarte, California

Fairfield, California

Fresno, California

Modesto, California

Oroville, California

Rancho Mirage, California

Reseda, California

Roseville, California

Thermalito, California

Wildomar, California

Yucca Valley, California

Palm Coast, Florida

Saint Charles, Illinois

Ledbetter, Kentucky

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Las Vegas, Nevada(2 reports)

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Cary, North Carolina

Cleveland, Ohio

Dundee, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes

North, South Carolina

Sumter, South Carolina

Austin, Texas

Copperas Cove, Texas

El Paso, Texas

Grand Prairie, Texas

Murchison, Texas

Richmond, Texas

San Marcos, Texas

Hurricane, Utah

Moab, Utah

Orem, Utah

Saint George, Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

Santa Clara, Utah

Springville, Utah

Arlington, Virginia

show all

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Gardener's Notes:

8
positives
4
neutrals
1
negative
Sort By:
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U
Salt Lake City, UT (Zone 7b) | March 2021 | positive

I have seen several Italian Cypresses in and around Salt Lake City, Utah (zone 7b) growing successfully long term. I know of a person who...Read More

V
(Zone 8a) | January 2015 | neutral

Rated neutral b/c overplanted in my area, therefore a bore. They're cheap, easy to obtain and fast growers. Excellent drainage is key a...Read More

S
Louisville, KY (Zone 6b) | January 2015 | positive

The cultivar 'Worthiana' is reportedly hardy to zone 6.

M
M
Arlington, VA (Zone 7b) | May 2014 | positive

Planted several 3 foot Italian Cypress along our property line in Arlington, VA (zone 7a/7b) in the Spring of 2013 where they would get f...Read More

N
North, SC (Zone 8a) | August 2013 | positive

Mediterranean Cypress looks good in Central South Carolina. Perfect tree for your garden and house corners.

H
Cary, NC | January 2011 | neutral

Two-years ago this spring I bought two (matching) Italian cypress, planting each in a 24-inch container, using neutral compost and a soil...Read More

W
Austin, TX | November 2010 | negative

This tree looks full and strong in southern New Mexico and Southwestern Texas, and I just got back from a trip out there where I saw thou...Read More

A
| December 2009 | positive

4 plants of this species are gracefully growing along the wall of my lawn. The italian cupressus is compact and does not spread. Its upri...Read More

P
(Zone 8a) | October 2009 | positive

Such a humble, yet such a noble tree! I don't understand how so many people want to cut down Italian cypresses so as to plant a bed of pe...Read More

W
Carrollton, TX | May 2007 | positive

When I lived in Roseville, Ca, I planted a dozen seedlings as a barrier near the back fence to block the view of the neighbor's ugly yard...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | September 2006 | neutral

Aside from a Juniper, these were the only trees in our yard when we moved in a few years ago... very common trees all over California (to...Read More

P
| November 2003 | neutral

This plant grows extensively in Austin, Texas.

A
Elkton, MD (Zone 7a) | September 2002 | positive

Italian Cypress is a relatively quick growing evergreen tree that can eventually grow to over 100 feet tall. They are a good choice wher...Read More

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