20 Types of Cypress Trees: Visual Identification and Growing Guide

Few trees command a landscape the way a cypress does. Whether standing in a tight, columnar row along a Mediterranean driveway, spreading its broad canopy over a southern swamp, or growing low and wide across a windswept coastal hillside, a cypress brings a sense of permanence and character that few other trees match.

The word “cypress” is used loosely in common language — and that looseness has created genuine confusion. Some trees called cypress belong to the genus Cupressus. Others belong to Taxodium, Chamaecyparis, Hesperocyparis, or Platycladus. 

Still others, like the Leyland cypress, are hybrids that do not fit neatly into any single genus. What they share is a general family resemblance — scale-like or needle-like foliage, cone-bearing reproduction, and an often striking architectural presence in the landscape.

This guide covers twenty of the most significant, widely grown, and botanically interesting cypress trees in the world, from classic Mediterranean species to North American swamp giants and compact ornamental cultivars.

1. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

Perhaps the most recognisable cypress in the world. The Italian cypress grows in a tight, narrow column — almost like a dark green exclamation point rising from the landscape. Native to the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia, it has been cultivated in Europe for thousands of years.

It reaches heights of 20 to 30 metres (65 to 100 feet) but rarely exceeds 1 to 2 metres (3 to 6 feet) in width in its columnar form, making it one of the most space-efficient trees available for vertical accent planting. It thrives in hot, dry summers and well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and highly wind-resistant.

The cultivar ‘Stricta’ is the most commonly planted columnar form. The species also includes broader, spreading forms in the wild, but these are rarely seen in cultivation.

Best for: Mediterranean-style gardens, formal avenues, privacy screens, and dry climates.

2. Monterey Cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, formerly Cupressus macrocarpa)

Native to a small stretch of coastline near Monterey, California — one of the most restricted native ranges of any tree species — the Monterey cypress is a study in contrast between wild character and garden formality. 

In its native habitat, it grows into dramatically windswept, asymmetrical forms shaped by the Pacific winds. In sheltered gardens, it develops a broad, spreading crown of dense, rich green foliage.

It grows quickly, reaching 25 metres (80 feet) or more in height. It tolerates coastal conditions — salt spray, wind, and poor soils — exceptionally well. As a hedge plant, it is widely used in temperate maritime climates. Its most famous garden offspring is the Leyland cypress, a hybrid with Chamaecyparis nootkatensis.

Best for: Coastal gardens, large hedges, windbreaks, and informal landscape specimens.

3. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

The bald cypress is one of the great trees of the American South. Native to the swamps, floodplains, and riverbanks of the southeastern United States, it is one of the few conifers that sheds its needles entirely in autumn — hence “bald.” The autumn colour transition, from green to soft russet and cinnamon before the needles drop, is genuinely beautiful.

What makes the bald cypress most distinctive are its pneumatophores — commonly called cypress knees. These are woody projections that rise from the root system in waterlogged soils, believed to assist with gas exchange in anaerobic conditions. A mature bald cypress growing in standing water, surrounded by its knees, is one of the most atmospheric sights in the natural world.

It grows 25 to 40 metres (80 to 130 feet) tall. Despite its wetland origins, it adapts well to ordinary garden soils and is more drought-tolerant than commonly believed. Hardy to USDA Zone 4.

Best for: Wet areas, pond and stream edges, large gardens, and parks.

4. Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens)

A close relative of the bald cypress, the pond cypress is native to standing-water habitats in the southeastern United States — as its name suggests. It is smaller and more slender than the bald cypress, with shorter, more erect needles that press against the branchlets rather than spreading outward.

It is often confused with bald cypress, and the two grow in overlapping ranges. Pond cypress is generally preferred for garden use in smaller spaces. It also produces cypress knees but typically less dramatically than its larger relative.

Growing to 20 to 25 metres (65 to 80 feet), it is hardy to USDA Zone 5. Its autumn colour is similarly warm and appealing.

Best for: Wet garden areas, pond margins, and smaller spaces where bald cypress would be too large.

5. Arizona Cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica, formerly Cupressus arizonica)

The Arizona cypress is native to the arid mountains of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico — a tough, adaptable tree built for hot summers, cold winters, and dry soils. Its foliage is blue-grey to silver-green, giving it an immediately distinctive appearance among the predominantly green cypress family.

It grows 15 to 20 metres (50 to 65 feet) tall with a broadly conical to pyramidal form. The bark is attractive — red-brown and fibrous on young trees, becoming darker and ridged with age. Several popular ornamental cultivars, including ‘Blue Ice’ and ‘Carolina Sapphire’, have become widely planted for their intense silvery-blue foliage colour.

It is one of the most drought-tolerant cypress trees available and performs well in alkaline soils. Hardy to USDA Zone 7.

Best for: Hot, dry gardens, silvery foliage interest, windbreaks, and low-water landscapes.

6. Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii)

The Leyland cypress is a hybrid between the Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) and the Nootka cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis). It was first recorded in 1888 at Leighton Hall in Wales and has since become one of the most widely planted — and most controversial — hedge trees in the United Kingdom and many parts of the world.

Its controversy stems from its extraordinary vigour. Left unclipped, it grows 1 to 2 metres per year and reaches 35 metres (115 feet) or more in height. As a hedge, this means constant maintenance. It has been the subject of neighbourhood disputes and even dedicated legislation in some countries.

Its defenders point out that it creates a dense, year-round screen more quickly than almost any other hedging plant. It is tolerant of exposed, coastal, and windy conditions. It does not regenerate from old wood, however — cutting back into bare brown stems kills that section permanently — which makes renovation difficult.

Best for: Fast privacy screening where regular clipping commitment is possible.

7. Nootka Cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, syn. Callitropsis nootkatensis)

Native to the Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to Oregon, the Nootka cypress — also called Alaska yellow cedar or yellow cypress — is a strikingly graceful tree. Its branches droop elegantly from a conical crown, giving it a weeping quality that is among the most refined of any conifer.

It grows slowly but ultimately reaches 30 to 40 metres (100 to 130 feet) in its native coastal forest habitat. It is highly cold-hardy — surviving temperatures as low as -40°C in its northern range — and tolerates wet soils well.

The cultivar ‘Pendula’ is perhaps the finest weeping conifer available for temperate gardens, with curtains of gracefully drooping, blue-green foliage that create a waterfall effect in the landscape. It is a tree that, once seen in maturity, is rarely forgotten.

Best for: Cool, moist climates, specimen planting, and where a weeping conifer silhouette is desired.

8. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)

The Hinoki cypress is native to Japan and holds a revered place in Japanese culture, horticulture, and architecture. The timber — dense, fragrant, and decay-resistant — has been used to construct temples, shrines, and palaces for over a thousand years. The living tree is equally valued, forming the backbone of traditional Japanese garden design.

In its natural form, Hinoki cypress grows to 35 metres (115 feet) with a broadly pyramidal crown and distinctive flattened spray foliage. The undersides of the branchlets are marked with white lines in an irregular pattern unique to the species.

More commonly, it is grown in cultivation through its extraordinary range of dwarf and ornamental cultivars — over 200 are recognised. These range from compact globes to narrow columns, golden-foliaged forms, and twisted, thread-leaved varieties. The dwarf cultivar ‘Nana Gracilis’ is among the most beloved small conifers in temperate horticulture.

Best for: Japanese-style gardens, rock gardens, specimen planting, and collectors of conifer cultivars.

9. Sawara Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

Another Japanese species in the Chamaecyparis genus, the Sawara cypress grows native in the mountain forests of Honshu and Kyushu. Like the Hinoki cypress, it is most widely known through its extensive cultivar range rather than the straight species.

The species itself grows to 25 to 30 metres (80 to 100 feet) with a conical crown. Its foliage is finer and more thread-like than Hinoki cypress, and several popular cultivars exploit this quality. ‘Filifera Aurea’ — with trailing, golden-yellow thread-like branchlets — is one of the most distinctive conifers available for garden use. ‘Boulevard’ offers steel-blue, feathery juvenile foliage with a dense, conical form.

Best for: Mixed shrub borders, specimen planting in smaller gardens, and foliage contrast in conifer collections.

10. Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)

Native to a restricted range in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon, the Lawson cypress — also called Port Orford cedar — has one of the most extensive cultivar ranges of any conifer in cultivation. Over 200 named cultivars exist, varying in habit, foliage colour, and ultimate size.

In its natural form, it reaches 50 to 60 metres (165 to 200 feet) in its native habitat — an impressive giant. In cultivation, most gardeners encounter it through its smaller cultivars, which range from broad spreading forms to tight pencil columns, in foliage colours from gold to deep blue-grey to dark green.

It prefers cool, moist, well-drained conditions and is intolerant of drought. It has been severely affected in parts of the UK and Europe by the water mould Phytophthora lateralis, which causes rapid death. Selecting resistant cultivars or planting in well-drained conditions reduces this risk.

Best for: Hedging, specimen planting, and gardens with cool, moist climates.

11. Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Native to the Atlantic coastal plain of eastern North America, Atlantic white cedar grows in freshwater wetlands, pocosins, and bog communities from Maine to Florida. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching 20 to 25 metres (65 to 80 feet), with narrow, columnar habit and small, scale-like blue-green foliage.

It is an important species ecologically — Atlantic white cedar swamps support a unique community of specialised plants and wildlife, and many of these wetlands have been significantly reduced in extent by drainage and development. The tree’s fragrant, soft wood was historically used for boat building and shingles.

In cultivation, it is most often used in wet garden sites or as a hedging or screen plant in moist soils. Several ornamental cultivars are available, including compact and blue-foliaged forms.

Best for: Wet soils, native planting schemes, and ecological restoration in eastern North America.

12. Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis)

This is the spreading, broadly canopied form of the Italian cypress — as opposed to the narrow columnar form most people recognise. It represents the natural variation of the species, with branches spreading horizontally rather than pressing close to the trunk.

It grows slowly to 15 to 20 metres (50 to 65 feet) with a broad, pyramidal or rounded crown. It is less commonly planted than the columnar form but offers significant value as a shade tree in hot, dry Mediterranean climates. The combination of drought tolerance, aromatic foliage, and graceful spreading form makes it an underused landscape tree.

Best for: Mediterranean-climate gardens where a spreading shade tree with cypress character is desired.

13. Kashmir Cypress (Cupressus cashmeriana)

Widely considered the most beautiful cypress species in the world, the Kashmir cypress is native to Bhutan and parts of northeastern India, where it grows in Buddhist monasteries and sacred groves. Its long, blue-grey branchlets hang in sweeping, curtain-like cascades from arching branches — a weeping habit of extraordinary elegance.

It is unfortunately frost-tender, hardy only to about -5°C (23°F) in sheltered positions, which limits its cultivation to mild temperate, Mediterranean, and subtropical climates. In suitable conditions, it is a tree of exceptional garden value.

It grows to 20 metres (65 feet) and more, with a broadly conical crown draped in hanging foliage that moves expressively in any breeze.

Best for: Mild climates, specimen planting where its weeping form can be seen from a distance.

14. Mexican Cypress (Cupressus lusitanica)

Despite its common name of Portuguese cypress or cedar of Goa, Cupressus lusitanica is native to Mexico and Central America — the confusion arises from its long history of cultivation in Portugal and southern Europe. It is one of the most widely planted cypress species in subtropical and tropical highland regions worldwide.

It grows to 30 metres (100 feet) or more with a broadly conical crown, pendulous branchlet tips, and blue-grey to grey-green foliage. It is faster-growing than most Cupressus species, which has made it valuable for reforestation and timber production in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.

Hardy to about -5°C (23°F), it is not suited to cold temperate climates but thrives at altitude in subtropical regions.

Best for: Subtropical and highland tropical climates, reforestation, windbreaks.

15. Bhutan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa)

Native to the Himalayas from northern India through Nepal and Bhutan to southwestern China, the Bhutan cypress is a large tree growing to 45 metres (150 feet) in its native range. It has a broadly conical to columnar form with dense, dark green foliage and attractively twisted or ridged bark.

It is one of the most cold-hardy of the true Cupressus species, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -15°C (5°F) in sheltered positions. This makes it an interesting choice for cooler climates where other Cupressus species would not survive.

It grows relatively quickly and is tolerant of a range of well-drained soil types. Not yet widely cultivated outside botanical gardens and specialist collections, but deserves wider recognition.

Best for: Cool temperate climates requiring a true Cupressus, large landscape plantings.

16. Oriental Arborvitae / Chinese Thuja (Platycladus orientalis)

While sometimes classified separately from the cypress family, Platycladus orientalis — commonly called Oriental arborvitae or Chinese thuja — is closely related to the true cypresses and widely grouped with them in horticultural literature. Native to China and Korea, it has been cultivated in East Asian gardens for centuries.

It grows to 10 to 15 metres (33 to 50 feet) with a broadly oval to pyramidal form and distinctive vertical, plate-like sprays of bright green foliage that differ noticeably from the drooping or flat sprays of other cypress relatives.

An enormous range of cultivars exists, including golden, dwarf, and fastigiate forms. It is more tolerant of dry, alkaline conditions than most related species and is widely used as a hedge or screening plant in Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Hardy to USDA Zone 6.

Best for: Dry, alkaline soils, formal hedging, topiary, and gardens in hot climates.

17. Golden Cypress / Golden Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’)

While technically a cultivar of Hinoki cypress, ‘Crippsii’ deserves individual mention as one of the most magnificent golden conifers available to gardeners. It was raised by Thomas Cripps of Tunbridge Wells in the nineteenth century and has been in cultivation ever since.

It grows slowly to 15 metres (50 feet) or so, with a broadly conical form and rich golden-yellow foliage that holds its colour year-round — brightest on the outer, sun-facing growth and shading to golden-green in the interior. The foliage is arranged in characteristic Hinoki fan-like sprays, giving it extraordinary texture as well as colour.

It is one of those trees that rewards patience. Slow-growing but spectacular, it becomes more impressive with every passing decade.

Best for: Specimen planting where golden foliage colour and long-term character are desired.

18. Montezuma Cypress (Taxodium mucronatum)

The Montezuma cypress — known in Mexico as ahuehuete — is the national tree of Mexico and one of the oldest and largest trees in the world. The famous Tule Tree (El Árbol del Tule) in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a Montezuma cypress with a trunk circumference of approximately 58 metres (190 feet) — the widest known trunk of any tree on Earth.

Unlike the bald cypress, the Montezuma cypress is semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates, retaining most or all of its foliage through winter where temperatures remain above freezing. It grows to 30 to 40 metres (100 to 130 feet) and more, with a massive, spreading crown.

It tolerates wet and dry soils with equal ease once established and thrives in warm climates. Hardy to approximately USDA Zone 8.

Best for: Warm climates with space for a very large tree, historical and heritage planting.

19. Pygmy Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’)

Among the many hundreds of cypress cultivars available, the Pygmy Hinoki cypress stands out as one of the most widely beloved small conifers in cultivation. It is a compact, slow-growing form of Hinoki cypress that ultimately reaches only 2 to 3 metres (6 to 10 feet) after many decades of growth.

Its rich, dark green foliage is arranged in characteristic cup-shaped sprays that catch the light from multiple angles, creating a texture and depth that few other small conifers can match. It grows into an irregular, broadly conical mound — more sculptural than formally geometric — which suits rock gardens, Japanese-style gardens, and mixed conifer plantings.

It requires well-drained soil, adequate moisture, and partial to full sun. It is cold-hardy to USDA Zone 5. Its small size and slow growth rate make it suitable for containers as well as garden beds.

Best for: Rock gardens, Japanese-style gardens, containers, and small spaces.

20. Blue Ice Arizona Cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica ‘Blue Ice’)

A cultivar of the Arizona cypress, ‘Blue Ice’ has become one of the most sought-after ornamental conifers in recent years for its strikingly intense silver-blue foliage — among the most vivid silver-blue of any conifer in cultivation. It also produces attractive reddish-purple male cones in late winter, adding seasonal interest.

It grows to approximately 5 to 8 metres (16 to 26 feet) in height with a broadly conical to columnar form, making it a manageable specimen tree for medium to large gardens. It is highly drought-tolerant, performs well in poor and alkaline soils, and is adapted to hot summers and cold winters.

The aromatic foliage is an additional appeal — crushed or brushed, it releases a fresh, resinous scent. It requires excellent drainage and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

Best for: Silvery foliage contrast, drought-tolerant landscapes, USDA Zones 7 to 9.

Choosing the Right Cypress for Your Garden

With twenty species and cultivars on this list — and hundreds more available in cultivation — choosing the right cypress for a specific situation can feel overwhelming. A few guiding questions help narrow it down considerably.

How much space do you have? Bald cypress, Montezuma cypress, and full-sized Leyland cypress are trees for large gardens and parks. Pygmy Hinoki cypress and Blue Ice Arizona cypress suit medium to small gardens. Dwarf cultivars of Chamaecyparis fit comfortably into containers.

What is your climate? Italian cypress and Arizona cypress demand hot, dry summers and well-drained soils. Nootka cypress and Lawson cypress prefer cool, moist conditions. Bald cypress and Atlantic white cedar thrive in wet soils. Kashmir cypress requires a frost-free or near-frost-free climate.

What is the primary purpose? For fast screening, Leyland cypress delivers. For architectural accent, Italian cypress is unsurpassed. For autumn colour, bald cypress is exceptional. For foliage colour interest, Blue Ice Arizona cypress or Golden Hinoki ‘Crippsii’ are among the finest options available.

What is your soil type? Most cypress trees prefer well-drained soils, but bald cypress, pond cypress, and Atlantic white cedar are specifically suited to wet and waterlogged conditions. Arizona cypress and Oriental arborvitae tolerate dry, poor, and alkaline soils better than most.

General Cypress Care

Most cypress trees are low-maintenance once established, but a few principles apply broadly.

Planting in well-drained soil prevents root rot, which is the most common cause of cypress decline in cultivation. Most species dislike having their roots in standing water, with the notable exceptions of the wetland Taxodium species.

Pruning requirements vary by species and purpose. Formal hedges require regular clipping. Specimen trees generally need minimal pruning beyond removing dead wood. Most cypress species do not regenerate well from old, bare wood — cut into the living green portion of each branch, never into bare brown stems.

Established cypress trees are generally drought-tolerant, but young trees benefit from regular watering in their first two to three growing seasons until their root system is fully established.

Fertilisation is rarely necessary for trees planted in good garden soil. Container-grown trees benefit from a balanced slow-release fertiliser applied once in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between true cypress and false cypress? 

True cypress refers to the genera Cupressus, Hesperocyparis, and Taxodium. False cypress refers to the genus Chamaecyparis, which is closely related but distinct. In practice, the distinction matters primarily in botanical and specialist horticultural contexts. In everyday garden use, all are commonly called cypress.

How fast do cypress trees grow?

Growth rates vary significantly. Leyland cypress grows 1 to 2 metres per year — exceptionally fast. Italian cypress grows approximately 30 to 60 centimetres per year. Hinoki cypress cultivars are among the slowest, often growing only 5 to 10 centimetres per year.

Are cypress trees evergreen? 

Most cypress trees are evergreen. The notable exceptions are the bald cypress and pond cypress, which are deciduous conifers that shed their needles in autumn. The Montezuma cypress is semi-evergreen.

Do cypress trees need full sun? 

Most cypress species perform best in full sun and become sparse or open in significant shade. Chamaecyparis species tolerate partial shade better than most, but produce their best form and foliage colour in bright light.

Are cypress trees toxic to pets? 

Most cypress trees are not considered significantly toxic to dogs and cats. However, the sap and foliage of some species can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities. As with all garden plants, preventing deliberate ingestion is sensible precaution.

Final Thoughts

Cypress trees occupy a unique and irreplaceable position in the landscape. They span climates, continents, and scales — from the massive wetland giants of the American South to the jewel-like miniature Hinoki cultivars of Japanese garden design. They have shaped Mediterranean landscapes for millennia, sheltered homesteads from wind across countless countries, and stood in sacred groves as symbols of longevity and permanence.

Whatever your garden’s size, climate, or character, there is almost certainly a cypress suited to it. Finding the right one, understanding what it needs, and giving it the space and conditions to thrive is a genuinely rewarding pursuit. These are trees that, when well placed, define a landscape. And that kind of presence is worth taking the time to get right.

References

1. University of Florida IFAS Extension — Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): Florida Tree Guide. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST620
   
2. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources — Monterey Cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) and Related Species. https://ucanr.edu/sites/forestry/California_forests/Tree_species/
   
3. North Carolina State University Extension — Chamaecyparis Species Profile. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chamaecyparis/
   
4. Cornell University — Arnot Teaching and Research Forest: Conifer Identification Guide. https://www.fs.cornell.edu
   
5. United States Forest Service — Taxodium distichum: Silvics of North America. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/taxodium/distichum.htm