Cupressus macrocarpa

Cupressus macrocarpa, commonly known as Lambert cypress or Monterey cypress, is a large conifer native to the surroundings of Monterey, a city located on the west coast of the United States. When young, this tree has a slender column-like shape or a dense cone, with a deep green colour. As time passes, the branches of this large conifer spread out into a magnificent tabular crown dotted with large wrinkled cones. It adapts well to poor and sandy soils, sea spray, and salty mists. Rocky soils and very dry climates should be avoided.

Cupressus macrocarpa is one of the largest species belonging to the Cupressaceae family. In nature, it is found in the forests bordering the central Californian coast, where it benefits from the atmospheric humidity and fog that it enjoys. Some specimens reach a height of 36m (118ft) and have a trunk diameter of 2.4m (8ft) in their native habitat. In cultivation, in our climates, it rarely exceeds 12m (40ft) in height and 10m (33ft) in width, in just 10 years. Similar to Chamaecyparis, it differs from it in its rounded branchlets, arranged in tufts around the main axis, and its larger cones with woody scales.

When integrated into a small woodland, this Monterey cypress develops a tall, straight trunk. If given space, however, it branches out lower, forming large spreading branches that make up a wide and dense canopy. Growing rapidly, it is adorned with rather coarse foliage when observed up close, with an aromatic fragrance when crushed. Its scent is slightly acidic. Its small triangular, blunt leaves, of a deep green colour, are imbricated on short cylindrical branchlets themselves implanted on branches. Young specimens under 1 year old bear juvenile needle-shaped leaves. The female cones are globose, green, and turn brown when ripe. The reddish-brown bark becomes greyish with age. The root system of this tree is taprooted, allowing it to anchor itself deeply in the soil to draw water and nutrients, and withstand even strong winds. Its hardiness is good in well-drained soil, around -15°C (5°F). It does not appreciate the weight of snow, which can permanently deform it.

It is perfect in a large garden, or a park, where it will have enough space to display its beautiful silhouette. A boon for very windy coastal gardens with sandy soil, where few trees thrive, its majestic appearance structures a garden in a unique way, whatever its style. It can also be used as a hedge, for convenience or lack of inspiration, like its cousin the Leyland cypress; however, this will eventually stunt Cupressus macrocarpa. It is an elegant, undemanding, and vigorous conifer that thrives in regions where summers are cool and winters are humid and mild.