Italian Cypress
Cupressus sempervirens
Family: Cupressaceae
What it is like
Form: Columnar.
Cupressus sempervirens is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to February. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 30
Where it is found
Rocky mountainous areas, usually near the coast, in S. Europe.
S. Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The cones and young branches are anthelmintic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic and vasoconstrictive. They are harvested in late winter and early spring, then dried for later use. Taken internally, it is used in the treatment of whooping cough, the spitting up of blood, spasmodic coughs, colds, flu and sore throats. 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. A foot bath of the cones is used to cleanse the feet and counter excessive sweating. The extracted essential oil should not be taken internally without professional guidance. A resin is obtained from the tree by making incisions in the trunk. This has a vulnerary action on slow-healing wounds and also encourages whitlows to come to a head. An essential oil from the leaves and cones is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Astringent'.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Aromatherapy: Plants whose essential oils are used in Aromatherapy.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Balsamic: A healing and soothing agent.
Vasoconstrictor: Narrows the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating: 3
An essential oil is distilled from the shoots. It is used in perfumery and soap making. The leaves contain about 2% essential oil whilst the wood contains about 2.5%. An infusion of the wood is used in footbaths to combat perspiration of the feet. 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.
Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Screen, Specimen. Thrives in a deep well-drained loamy or peaty soil. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and drought. Tolerates poor sandy soils but is then more subject to damage by white-scale insects in a succession of dry seasons. Plants are not very happy when growing on chalky soils but they thrive on limestone. Requires a sunny position. This species is somewhat tender in Britain especially when young and at least in the north of the country, it grows best in the south and the west. 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. Growth can be quite vigorous, especially in young trees, with many averaging 60cm a year. Growth slows and almost comes to a halt when the tree is 12 - 15 metres tall. New growth takes place from mid-May to mid-October. Plants are subject to injury by the wind. Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus. The seed takes two summers to mature. Mature cones can remain unopened on the tree for a number of years. 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. Plants are resentful of root disturbance, any transplanting should be done in April or September when the roots are in active growth. A very variable plant. Special Features:Not North American native, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates. 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. 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. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame. April/May is the best time to take cuttings.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Poisonous. No more details.