Cypresses are found in almost all Mediterranean climate zones on earth - especially around the Mediterranean, but the coniferous trees, which usually grow in a columnar shape towards the sky, are also often found in North and Central America and in some parts of Africa. In total, just over 20 different types of cypress are known.
What types of columnar cypresses are there?
The best-known columnar cypress species include the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress and Himalayan cypress. Columnar cypresses such as Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) are also popular in gardens.
Columnar or Mediterranean cypress and its subspecies
The columnar or Mediterranean cypress is particularly typical of the landscape in many regions around the Mediterranean. The plant is particularly common in many Italian regions such as Tuscany (which is why this type of cypress is sometimes called Tuscan cypress) and in North Africa. The Mediterranean cypress is characterized by a very slender, upright growth and can grow up to 20 meters high - provided the right conditions are met, of course. There are several subspecies of this cypress species: Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis can be recognized by its horizontally extending branches, while Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta grows strictly upwards. Particularly rare is Cupressus sempervirens var. atlantica, which only grows in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains.
Other popular cypress species
In addition to the Mediterranean cypress, there are other types of cypress that have a more columnar growth. These include, among others,
- the Leyland cypress or bastard cypress,
- the Arizona cypress
- as well as the Himalayan cypress.
However, only the Leyland cypress is of horticultural importance, as it is significantly more robust and resistant to frost than the true columnar cypress. The species, also known as bastard cypress, is a cross between the Nootka cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis) and the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and is one of the fastest growing cypress species. Leyland cypresses can grow up to 30 meters high, are easy to cut and are ideal for planting hedges.
Columnar Cypresses
In addition to the real cypresses, there are also so-called false cypresses, which are very similar to the real ones in their habit. Lawson's false cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), which also grows in a columnar or conical shape, is often found in gardens and is also known as Oregon cedar due to its North American origins. There are an estimated 200 different cultivars of this cypress species with different characteristics, including varieties with yellow or blue-green leaves as well as various dwarf forms.
Tip
If you have small children or animals at home, it is better to avoid planting cypresses: they are always poisonous.
