Practical
Plants

Cupressocyparis leylandii

Leyland Cypress

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

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
40 m
Spread
5 m
Fertility
Wind
Flower type
monoecious
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be grown as a windbreak hedge succeeding in very exposed positions and reasonably tolerant of maritime exposure[1][6]. They can suffer wind burn after prolonged storms but usually recover quickly[6]. Very fast growing, it can be trimmed so long as it is not cut back into old wood[1][4]. Only young plants should be used for shelterbelts in exposed positions and these must not be pot-bound or they will never become really wind firm[1]. This species has been much used for hedging in urban gardens but it is singularly unsuitable for this purpose[4]. Although it very quickly provides a screen, it is much too vigorous for most gardens and will need constant attention to keep it within bounds[4].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Canopy

Hedge

Windbreak

Environment

Range
A bi-generic hybrid of garden origin. Cupressus macrocarpa x Chamaecyparis nootkatensis.
Habitat
Not known in the wild.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm with a heel, July/August in sandy soil in a humid frame[1]. Strikes readily. Cuttings from side growths in March[1].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An easily grown plant, it prefers a moist fertile soil but also succeeds in sandy soils[3] and tolerates calcareous conditions[5]. Very wind resistant, it tolerates salt-laden winds and maritime exposure[1]. A very fast growing tree, capable of reaching 20 metres within 20 years[2]. A number of different clones are available[2][4]. The Leyland cypress has been widely planted for hedging in recent years, though it is singularly unsuited for this purpose in all but the largest of sites[4]. The plant has gained the reputation of being very bad for wildlife since it offers native species very little in the way of food. However, it is favoured by many birds for roosting, high cover and especially for nesting because it offers such good cover. Our 12 hectare site was totally devoid of trees when we took it over in 1989, five years later we had our first birds nesting in trees on the land - in 4 metre tall Leyland cypresses![K]. Large specimens of this tree help to attract songbirds to the garden[4]. The bruised foliage has a sweet resinous scent[5]. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[4].

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  2. Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO 1975-00-00 ISBN 0-11-710012-9

    ↩1↩2

  3. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  5. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2

  6. Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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