Cupressus macrocarpa Goldcrest

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' is a variety of Monterey Cypress with small growth, notable for the bright golden colour of its foliage, which becomes bronze in winter. This beautiful conifer has a slender columnar shape or a dense cone shape. It tolerates poor, sandy soils, sea spray, and salty mist. Rocky soils and very dry climates should be avoided. 'Goldcrest' is frost-sensitive and does not tolerate icy winds, so it is preferable to choose a sheltered location for it and protect it during winter.

Cupressus macrocarpa is one of the largest species belonging to the Cupressaceae family. Commonly known as Lambert Cypress or Monterey Cypress, it is a large conifer native to the surroundings of Monterey, a city located on the west coast of the United States. In nature, it is found in forests along the central California coast, where it benefits from the atmospheric humidity and fog that it enjoys. In their native habitat, some specimens reach a height of 36m (118ft) and have a trunk diameter of 2.4m (8ft). Similar to Chamaecyparis, it differs in its rounded branchlets, arranged in tufts around the main axis, and its larger cones with woody scales.

'Goldcrest' rarely exceeds 8m (26ft) in height with a spread of 2.5m (8ft) in our climates. It grows rapidly and has a somewhat coarse foliage when observed up close, which is aromatic when crushed. Its scent is slightly acidic. Its small, blunt triangular leaves are imbricate on short cylindrical branchlets, which are themselves arranged on branches. Young plants less than 1 year old have juvenile needle-shaped leaves. The foliage is golden yellow in spring and turns bronze in autumn. The female cones are globose and green, turning brown at maturity. The reddish-brown bark becomes greyish with age. The root system of this tree is taprooted, allowing it to anchor deeply in the soil to draw water and nutrients and withstand even strong winds. Hardy down to -7°C (19.4°F) in well-drained soil, it should be protected in regions with cold winters.

With its narrow habit and small development, 'Goldcrest' will fit well in any garden, even small ones. It is a boon for very windy coastal gardens with sandy soil, where few trees thrive. Its elegant habit adds structure to a garden in a unique way, whatever its style. With its bright foliage, it will be magnificent when combined with plants with darker foliage, such as dark green or purple. It can also be used as a hedge, like its cousin Leyland Cypress; however, this would stunt 'Goldcrest'. Monterey Cypress is an elegant, undemanding, and vigorous conifer that thrives in regions with cool summers and humid, mild winters.