Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, formerly known as Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, is commonly called Nootka cypress or Alaska-cedar or yellow cypress. It is native to moist soils in bottomlands, along streams and in ravines along the Pacific Coast from southeastern Alaska to northern California. It is an evergreen conifer that will grow slowly to as much as 60-90′ tall in the wild and live for 1000+ years. ‘Glauca Pendula’ is a slender, pyramidal, strongly weeping form that may grow to as much as 30′ tall and 14′ wide over 35 years, but is often seen growing much smaller. It is an excellent specimen tree that features a nodding central leader with widely-spaced ascending to arching to horizontal branches from which droop branchlets clad with flattened sprays of scale-like blue-green leaves. Leaves will emit an unpleasant odor when rubbed or crushed. Rounded seed cones to 1/2″ diameter.
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun in the northern part of its growing range, but appreciates some afternoon part shade in the southern part of its range. Best performance is in moist, fertile soils in cool summer climates with above average humidity/rainfall.
| Common Name | Blue, Weeping Alaskan Cedar |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Xanthocyparis nootkatensis 'Glauca Pendula'' |
| Container/Amount | 6-7' |
| Evergreen or Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Hardiness Zone | 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b |
| Growth Rate | Average |
| Light Requirements | Part-shade, Part-sun, Sun |
| Height | 30 ft. |
| Width | 14 ft. |
| Soil Condition | Well-drained |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Fragrance | No |
| Foliage Color | blue-green |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
