Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Aurea’ (Nootka Cypress)

Quite stunning, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Aurea’ (Nootka Cypress) is a tall evergreen conifer forming a dense, slender, pyramidal tree with drooping, flat sprays of scale-like, golden foliage. Lemon yellow during spring growth, the foliage gradually turns to yellow-green. When well sited, this Nootka Cypress is fast-growing and may easily add one or more feet (> 30 cm) in height and width per year. A pleasure to look at year-round, this elegant selection makes an excellent specimen conifer.

This evergreen conifer belongs to the Cupressaceae family, which includes well-known trees such as Italian Cypress, Leyland Cypress, Arizona Cypress, and Monterey Cypress, all valued for their distinctive forms, resilience, and ornamental appeal.

• Grows up to 30-50 ft. high (9-15 m) and 8-15 ft. (2.4-4.5 m) wide.
• Full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil. Appreciates some afternoon shade in the southern part of its range.
• Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Low maintenance, no pruning required.
• May be affected by honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases. Watch for aphids
• Propagate by grafting and semi-hardwood cuttings
• Native from Alaska south to British Columbia and south along the Cascade Mountains to northern California.