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Cupressus sempervirens
  • Italian Cypress

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Cupressus genus in the family Cupressaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Canopy
    Canopy
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 7
    Zone 7
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Cupressus sempervirens has 0 material uses listed
Cupressus sempervirens has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Poisonous[1]. No more details.

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Cupressus sempervirens.

Material uses

An essential oil is distilled from the shoots. It is used in perfumery and soap making[2][3][4]. The leaves contain about 2% essential oil whilst the wood contains about 2.5%[5].

An infusion of the wood is used in footbaths to combat perspiration of the feet[6].

Wood - fragrant, very hard and durable. A popular wood for building uses, cabinet making and wardrobes, especially since it retains its fragrance, repels moths and is impervious to woodworm[2][6][7][8].

Unknown part

Cosmetic
Essential
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The cones and young branches are anthelmintic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic and vasoconstrictive[6][3][5]. They are harvested in late winter and early spring, then dried for later use[6]. Taken internally, it is used in the treatment of whooping cough, the spitting up of blood, spasmodic coughs, colds, flu and sore throats[9]. Applied externally as a lotion or as a diluted essential oil (using an oil such as almond), it astringes varicose veins and haemorrhoids, tightening up the blood vessels[9]. A foot bath of the cones is used to cleanse the feet and counter excessive sweating[9]. The extracted essential oil should not be taken internally without professional guidance[9].

A resin is obtained from the tree by making incisions in the trunk[6]. This has a vulnerary action on slow-healing wounds and also encourages whitlows to come to a head[6].

An essential oil from the leaves and cones is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Astringent'[10].

Unknown part

Anthelmintic
Antipyretic
Antirheumatic
Antiseptic
Aromatherapy
Astringent
Balsamic
Vasoconstrictor
Vulnerary

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Canopy

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[11]. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates[11]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[12]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can store for several years[12]. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame[2]. April/May is the best time to take cuttings[12].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Cupressus sempervirens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Thrives in a deep well-drained loamy or peaty soil[7]. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and drought[13]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[13] but is then more subject to damage by white-scale insects in a succession of dry seasons[7]. Plants are not very happy when growing on chalky soils but they thrive on limestone[14]. Requires a sunny position[13].

This species is somewhat tender in Britain especially when young and at least in the north of the country[13], it grows best in the south and the west[7]. Trees are probably much hardier than has been supposed. No trees were reported as killed by the very severe winter of 1962 - 3, even some trees east of Edinburgh survived without damage. A healthy tree at Cambridge botanical gardens was 6 metres tall in 1989[K]. Growth can be quite vigorous, especially in young trees, with many averaging 60cm a year[15]. Growth slows and almost comes to a halt when the tree is 12 - 15 metres tall[15]. New growth takes place from mid-May to mid-October[15]. Plants are subject to injury by the wind[2][7]. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[14]. The seed takes two summers to mature[16]. Mature cones can remain unopened on the tree for a number of years[13]. They open after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow away quickly in the ashes of the fire[14]. Plants are resentful of root disturbance, any transplanting should be done in April or September when the roots are in active growth[7][13].

A very variable plant[7].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Cupressus sempervirens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Cupressus sempervirens.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Cupressus sempervirens
Genus
Cupressus
Family
Cupressaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
[6][3][5][9][10]
Material uses & Functions
[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
Botanic
[7][17][14]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Canopy
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
woody
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
moderate
Mature Size
30 x 5 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Wind
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
monoecious

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"image:Cypress of Abarqu.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Cypress of Abarqu.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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References

  1. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.7 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.8 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.1 Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press ISBN 0-7012-0784-1 (1987-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.1 Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd ISBN 0-9517723-0-9 (1993-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.112.2 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.413.5 Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm ISBN 0-7470-2801-X (1987-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.115.2 Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO ISBN 0-11-710012-9 (1975-00-00)
  16. ? Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. ISBN 0292780206 (1982-00-00)
  17. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-50

Cite error: <ref> tag with name "PFAFimport-45" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.

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Facts about "Cupressus sempervirens"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyCupressaceae +
Belongs to genusCupressus +
Has common nameItalian Cypress +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has fertility typeWind +
Has flowers of typeMonoecious +
Has growth rateModerate +
Has hardiness zone7 +
Has imageCypress of Abarqu.JPG +
Has lifecycle typePerennial +
Has material partUnknown part +
Has material useCosmetic +, Essential + and Wood +
Has mature height30 +
Has mature width5 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAnthelmintic +, Antipyretic +, Antirheumatic +, Antiseptic +, Aromatherapy +, Astringent +, Balsamic +, Vasoconstrictor + and Vulnerary +
Has primary imageCypress of Abarqu.JPG +
Has search namecupressus sempervirens + and x +
Has shade toleranceNo shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
Has sun preferenceFull sun +
Has taxonomy nameCupressus sempervirens +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Inhabits ecosystem nicheCanopy +
Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +