Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Aurea (Nootka Cypress)

Quite stunning, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Aurea’ (Nootka Cypress) is a tall evergreen conifer forming a dense, slender, pyramidal tree with drooping, flat sprays of scale-like, golden foliage. Lemon yellow during spring growth, the foliage gradually turns to yellow-green. When well sited, this Nootka Cypress is fast-growing and may easily add one or more feet (> 30 cm) in height and width per year. A pleasure to look at year-round, this elegant selection makes an excellent specimen conifer.

Quite stunning, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Aurea' (Nootka Cypress) is a tall evergreen conifer forming a dense, slender, pyramidal tree with drooping, flat sprays of scale-like, golden foliage. Lemon yellow during spring growth, the foliage gradually turns to yellow-green. When well sited, this Nootka Cypress is fast-growing and may easily add one or more feet (> 30 cm) in height and width per year. A pleasure to look at year-round, this elegant selection makes an excellent specimen conifer.

  • Grows up to 30-50 ft. high (9-15 m) and 8-15 ft. (2.4-4.5 m) wide.
  • Full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil. Appreciates some afternoon shade in the southern part of its range.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Low maintenance, no pruning required.
  • May be affected by honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases. Watch for aphids
  • Propagate by grafting and semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Native from Alaska south to British Columbia and south along the Cascade Mountains to northern California.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 7

Heat Zones 1
– 7

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressus – Cypresses, Chamaecyparis – False Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 30'
– 50'
(9m
– 15m)
Spread 8'
– 15'
(240cm
– 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden