Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Columnar Italian Cypress)
Botanical Information
Family | Cupressaceae |
Genus | Cupressus |
Species | sempervirens |
Cultivar | 'Stricta' |
Synonyms | Cuperssus sempervirens var. stricta |
Category | Tropicals |
Type | Tree (evergreen) |
References | Bitner, R. L. (2007). Conifers for Gardens. Portland, OR: Timber Press. Bloom, A. (2002). Gardening with Conifers. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books. Gilman, E., & Watson, D. (1993). Cupressus Sempervirens. United States Forest Services Department of Agriculture, 1-3. |
Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | When dried, it can be used to treat cold and flu symptoms in throat and lungs. As an astringent in excessive blood loss and as an anthelmintic for ridding parasites. As well as to prevent fevers. The cones or "woody parts" can be used in a bath and believed to prevent excess sweating. |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 7 - 9 |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | 8 - 10 |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H3 - H5 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | -17 |
Height | 15 - 30 m |
Spread | 2.5 m |
Growth | Medium |
Flowering Period | March |
Description and Growing Information
Shape | Compact, tall and narrow columnar form. |
Landscape | Ornamental and windbreak. |
Propagation | Seed and soft wood cuttings. |
Cultivation | Well-drained soil, full sun and partial shade. |
Pests | Spider mites, white scale or bagworms can be a nuisance. Susceptible to canker in hot climates or root rot disease. |
Bark/Stem Description | Exfoliating bark. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Cones might stay attached to tree for an extended amount of time after they have matured. |
Leaf Description | 1 - 5 cm in length, arranged alternately with scale-like foliage, rounded tips and simple form. |
Fruit Description | Species is monoecious. Male pollen cones are small. Female seed cones are about 3 - 4 cm in width. Cones are round to oval in shape with 6 - 8 tightly overlaying scales. |
Colour Description | The bark is reddish-brown in colour and turns to a ashy grey as it matures. Cones are a green and turns to a greyish-brown as it matures. Male pollen cones are a yellow colour, while the female seed cones are a greyish-brown. Foliage is dark green. |
Texture Description | Fine texture. |