How to Grow Weeping Alaskan Cypress
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Weeping Alaskan Cypress
Cupressus nootkatensis (syn. Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis)
treeA graceful, narrowly conical evergreen tree native to the Pacific Northwest, characterized by delicate, drooping foliage and elegant, feathery branches. It features soft, fern-like foliage with a blue-green to gray-green color and aromatic, lemon-scented foliage when brushed. This slow-growing tree is prized as an ornamental specimen and can reach 40-60 feet tall in its native habitat, though cultivated varieties are often more compact.
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Example Weeping Alaskan Cypress timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Weeping Alaskan Cypress
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 Cypress
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4b-8a; performs best in cool, moist climates
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Nursery/Young Transplant
0-1 year (establishment)Small tree with established root system from nursery container, typically 1-3 feet tall with developing branching structure
Plant in spring or early fall. Water thoroughly after planting. Mulch around base, keeping mulch 6 inches away from trunk. Protect from harsh winds.
Establishment & Early Growth
1-3 yearsTree becoming established with increased branching and foliage density; reaching 2-6 feet tall over several years
Maintain consistent moisture. Avoid heavy pruning. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Monitor for spider mites and scale insects in dry conditions.
Vegetative Development
3-10 yearsRapid height increase with fuller, more densely foliated branches; characteristic weeping form becoming more pronounced
Continue consistent watering. Prune only to remove dead or diseased branches or to shape. The naturally elegant form requires minimal pruning.
Mature Tree
10+ years (can live 200+ years)Full-sized specimen tree (15-40+ feet depending on variety) with distinctive drooping branch structure and soft, feathery appearance
Water during extended drought periods. Monitor for disease and pests. Minimal pruning needed. Remove any diseased or damaged branches promptly.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with water to dislodge; use miticide if infestation is severe. Maintain humidity and avoid drought stress. Insecticidal soap may help.
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Inspect regularly, especially on lower branches. Remove by hand or spray with horticultural oil in early spring before new growth. Systemic insecticides in severe cases.
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Monitor for defoliation. Prune affected branches. Apply insecticide if population becomes problematic.
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Similar treatment to scale; horticultural oil or targeted insecticide in early season. Remove heavily infested branches.
Uses
Specimen Tree & Landscape Focal Point
OrnamentalThe weeping alaskan cypress is a highly prized ornamental specimen tree with graceful, cascading branches and soft, feathery foliage that creates a dramatic focal point in gardens and landscapes. Its elegant form and year-round interest make it ideal for formal gardens, Japanese-style landscapes, and parks. [source]
Aromatic Cut Foliage & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe foliage is pleasantly lemon-scented when brushed or crushed and can be cut for use in fresh floral arrangements, wreaths, and decorative displays. The soft, feathery fronds add elegant texture to indoor arrangements. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Shelter
WildlifeThe dense foliage and branching structure provide excellent shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small wildlife. The tree is an important component of Pacific Northwest forest ecosystems. [source]
Traditional Medicine & Essential Oil
MedicinalHistorically, indigenous peoples used weeping alaskan cypress foliage for medicinal purposes, and essential oil from the foliage has been traditionally used in aromatherapy. Contains volatile compounds with potential antispasmodic properties. [source]
Bonsai & Container Gardening
CraftSmaller cultivars and well-shaped specimens are popular subjects for bonsai cultivation and long-term container growing, where their graceful form and slow growth rate are advantageous. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for food. Cones (female) can be collected for ornamental use or seed in fall when mature and brown; seeds are tiny and difficult to extract. Branches can be cut for decorative use in arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Weeping Alaskan Cypress was nearly extinct in the wild in the 1980s-1990s due to a fungal disease (Phytophthora lateralis, sudden oak death pathogen), but it has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts and selection for disease-resistant cultivars.
- 🌱 The scientific name has been revised multiple times; it was originally classified as Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, then Cupressus nootkatensis, and is now sometimes called Xanthocyparis nootkatensis. Its common name references Alaska, though it's native to coastal regions from Alaska to northern California.
- 🌱 The foliage releases a distinctive lemon or grapefruit scent when brushed, and the resinous wood was traditionally used by Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples for ceremonial purposes, canoe building, and medicinal applications.
Gardening Terms
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