Callitropsis nootkatensis (Yellow Cedar, Alaska Cypress, Nootka Cypress)

Botanical Information

FamilyCupressaceae
GenusCallitropsis
Speciesnootkatensis
SynonymsCupressus nootkatensis, Xanthocyparis nootkatensis,Callitropsis nootkatensis
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginAlaska to northern California. Native to Canada and USA.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Was used in multiple ways by the native population of Alaska and British Columbia. The natives used the bark for weaving carpets, robes and capes. The heartwood was used for making tools, bows, water paddles, dishes, boatbuilding and native masks.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)2 - 28
Temperature (°F)36 - 83
Height25 m
Spread6 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril, May, June

Description and Growing Information

ShapeTall upright with a narrow form.
LandscapeThe drooping branchlets give the tree a graceful weeping appearance. It makes an attractive specimen tree in parks and open spaces. It can also be used as a tall hedge.
PropagationPropagated by seed or branch tip cutting treated with IBA. Branch tip cutting is the preferred method for fast results. For seed propagation, seeds must be sown between March to April. To germinate, the seeds must go through a 30 day period of warm stratification followed by a 30-day cold stratification at a temperature of 4°C. Seeds can be stored for 3 - 5 years in dry conditions.
CultivationFull sun to partial-shade. Can grow in dry conditions but prefers moist. Acidic soils.
HabitatCoastal rainforest and rocky ridge tops. West coast of North America; Alaska to California.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThin. Mature bark has tight narrow grooves.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionShort shoots that look like buds. The bud-like structure is the immature cones on tips of shoots.
Leaf DescriptionGrows in alternating pairs of 4 rows along the twigs, 3 mm long with an unpleasant odour. Sharp points at the ends and flattens as it ages.
Flower DescriptionPollen cones that are 2 - 3 mm long and ovoid to globular in shape.
Fruit DescriptionSmall and berry-like. They are about 4 mm long and 8 - 12 mm wide, fairly soft with small bumps. The scales of the cones are 4 - 6 mm, fairly thick and each scale has a pointed triangular bract about 1.5 - 2 mm long.
Colour DescriptionThe bark is a greyish-brown colour. The underside of the bark has a bright yellow colour. Foliage is a dull bluish-green. Cones are greenish-yellow. The seeds when young are green and as they mature they are whitish-green with a purple tinge. The fruit is green in colour.
Texture DescriptionWhen young the texture is scaly.

Photographs