Sullivan Nootka Cypress
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Sullivan'
Height: 20 feet
Spread: 12 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4b
Other Names: Alaska Cedar, Nootka Falsecypress, Xanthocyparis
Description:
Lovely graceful form with pendulous branches of gray-green foliage; a narrow pyramidal evergreen with some shade tolerance; this tree has beauty and grace and can be treated as a cherished specimen
Ornamental Features
Sullivan Nootka Cypress is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has grayish green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage remain grayish green throughout the winter. The shaggy antique red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Sullivan Nootka Cypress is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Sullivan Nootka Cypress is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Vertical Accent
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Sullivan Nootka Cypress will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.
