The Story
Plant Bio
Callitropsis nootkatensis, commonly known as Nootka cypress, is an evergreen conifer native to the cool, humid coastal mountains of northwestern North America. It forms a pyramidal canopy featuring distinctly weeping branchlets with flattened sprays of scale-like, dark to blue-green foliage.
The species is distinguished by its strongly pendulous growth habit and smooth, reddish-brown bark that ages into thin shredding plates. Its small female cones require two full seasons to mature from blue-green spheres into brown seed-bearing structures.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
480"
Width
180"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting location in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal to its depth.
- Position the tree so the root flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil line.
- Backfill with native soil, tamp down firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Pro Tip
Prune only dead or damaged stems back to active growth; cutting into old leafless wood leaves permanent bare patches because mature stems lack adventitious buds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer periods.
- Apply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture.
Don't
- Do not prune into bare, woody interior branches.
- Do not allow soil to dry out completely during the tree's first two seasons.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Nootka Cypress questions
What zones can Nootka Cypress grow in?
Nootka Cypress is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Nootka Cypress bloom?
Nootka Cypress typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Nootka Cypress need full sun?
Nootka Cypress does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Nootka Cypress with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.