How to Grow Weeping Alaskan Cedar
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Weeping Alaskan Cedar
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula'
treeWeeping Alaskan Cedar is a graceful coniferous tree with distinctive drooping branches and fine, feathery foliage that creates an elegant, weeping silhouette. Native to the Pacific Northwest, this cultivar is prized as an ornamental specimen tree for its unique appearance and year-round visual interest. It grows moderately and can reach 40-50 feet tall with a columnar form, though the pendant branches create a softer, more refined appearance than upright varieties.
When should you plant Weeping Alaskan Cedar in your zone?
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Example Weeping Alaskan Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Weeping Alaskan Cedar
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Weeping Alaskan Cedar
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 4b-8b; prefers cool, moist climates similar to its native Pacific Northwest habitat
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Get my Weeping Alaskan Cedar timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 yearsYoung tree with 1-3 feet of growth per year; foliage is bright green and relatively compact; root system developing
Consistent watering is essential; stake if in windy location; apply 2-3 inches of mulch; avoid fertilizer first year; provide afternoon shade in hot climates
Early Development
5-7 yearsTree reaches 10-20 feet tall; weeping form becomes more pronounced; branches elongate and drape more noticeably
Continue regular watering; minimal pruning needed; remove any dead or damaged branches; monitor for pests; maintain mulch layer
Maturation
10+ yearsTree reaches 30-50 feet; weeping habit is fully developed with graceful, flowing branches; dense, fine-textured foliage
Maintain consistent moisture; prune only to remove dead wood or shape if needed; established trees are relatively low-maintenance; continue mulching
Full Specimen
IndefiniteMature, fully-formed tree with characteristic elegant weeping form; foliage may develop bronze or copper tones in winter in colder zones
Minimal intervention needed; water during extended dry periods; monitor for spider mites in hot/dry conditions; selective pruning for shape only
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe; maintain adequate moisture to reduce stress
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Hand-pick and destroy bags in fall/winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in early summer when caterpillars are small
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Prune out infected branches well below visible damage; disinfect tools between cuts; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
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Remove affected foliage; ensure good drainage and air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply copper fungicide if severe
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; improve soil aeration; plant in raised bed if drainage is poor; remove severely affected trees
Uses
Ornamental Specimen Tree
HouseholdWeeping Alaskan Cedar is a premium choice for creating a focal point in the landscape with its elegant, weeping form and fine texture. It adds architectural interest and year-round foliage color, often displaying bronze or copper tones in winter. [source]
Screen or Backdrop Plant
LandscapeThe columnar growth habit and graceful draping branches make it ideal as a softened backdrop or screen, providing privacy without the harsh look of typical hedge plants. Works well in Japanese or contemporary gardens. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeThe dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects, while the seeds attract wildlife. Creates protected microclimates for shade-loving plants beneath. [source]
Winter Interest
HouseholdThe foliage often develops attractive bronze, copper, or rust tones during cold months, providing seasonal color variation and maintaining visual interest in dormant landscapes when other plants have lost their leaves. [source]
Cut Foliage for Arrangements
CraftThe fine, feathery branches are occasionally used in floral arrangements and wreaths, providing elegant texture and form. The foliage releases a pleasant, slightly resinous fragrance when handled. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested; this is an ornamental specimen tree grown for visual appeal. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches as needed throughout the year. Light pruning for shape can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Weeping Alaskan Cedar is not actually a cedar but a false cypress (Chamaecyparis), and despite its name, it is native to coastal British Columbia and southeastern Alaska, not Alaska in general.
- 🌱 The foliage releases an aromatic, slightly spicy fragrance when brushed or crushed, which comes from volatile oils in the needles and is often described as citrusy or resinous.
- 🌱 In its native habitat, the species can live over 3,500 years, making it one of the longest-living trees in North America, though the ornamental weeping cultivar typically has a lifespan of 100-200+ years in cultivation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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