Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress)

Architectural and long-lived, Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress) is a narrow, columnar, evergreen conifer forming a handsome exclamation point in the landscape. Its upright branches are covered with green to bluish, scale-like leaves held in short flat sprays. The foliage is aromatic when crushed. The cones are ovoid, 1.5 in. across (3 cm), with scales having small bosses. Ideal for providing year-round structure, it makes a wonderful specimen plant and adds vertical lines to the landscape – as featured on postcards from Tuscany. It is said to live up to a thousand years (!). Perfect as an accent plant, in formal landscapes, allées, and containers. While it prefers hot, dry climates and well-drained soils, it survives in the heat and humidity of the Southeast.

• Grows up to 40-70 ft. tall (12-21 m) and 10-20 ft. wide (3-6 m).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils. Protect from cool, drying winds. Tolerates dry conditions. Drought tolerant once established.
• Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Low maintenance, no pruning required.
• Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Native to the eastern Mediterranean across to Iran.