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Common Name: Nootka Cypress

General Information

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America - Alaska to Oregon.

Habitat

Woodlands from sea-level to 1,000 metres[, ]. The best specimens are found in the deep soil of cool wet coastal forests[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils and situations, but prefers a moist deep loamy soil and a sheltered position[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Survives on dry alkaline soils[]. Does not grow well on peat or shallow chalky soils[]. Growth of trees is hardly affected by a lack of phosphate in the soil. Plants are moderately shade tolerant, especially when young[, ]. Plants are tolerant of atmospheric pollution according to one report[], whilst another says that they do not do well in a polluted atmosphere[].
Plants are hardy to about -35c, they also tolerate low summer temperatures[].
A very polymorphic species, there are many named varieties[].
This species establishes well and grows fairly quickly when young[]. Trees can reach 20 metres tall in 35 years but growth slows as the trees get older[]. It is cultivated as a timber tree in Europe[]. Trees in the wild can live for 1,000 years or longer[], one specimen is believed to be 3,500 years old[]. This longevity is probably due to the presence of toxic chemical compounds from microscopic fungi concentrated in the heartwood[].
The wood and foliage have an acrid odour[]. The bruised foliage releases a smell of turpentine[].
Favoured by many birds for roosting, high cover and especially for nesting, large specimens of this tree help to attract songbirds to the garden[].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant has been used in sweat baths for treating rheumatism and arthritis[].
An infusion of the branch tips has been used as a wash for sores and swellings[].
A poultice of the crushed leaves has been applied to sores[].
The soft bark has been used as a cover for poultices[].

Other Uses

Plants can be grown as a tall hedge[] They are very tolerant of clipping so long as this does not extend into the brown barked wood since trees cannot regenerate from this[]. Any trimming should be done in the summer[].
The fibre of the inner bark is fine and soft, it is pounded and spun then used for making blankets, clothing, capes, mats etc[, , ]. Torn into pieces, it can be used as bandages or for washing babies[].
The finely shredded inner bark can be used as a tinder[].
Wood - hard, very durable, fragrant with an agreeable resinous odour, close grained, has low-shrinkage, is somewhat brittle, but does not splinter. Easily worked, it is used for carving, cabinet work, making boats, implements etc[, , , , , , ].

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a seedbed outdoors[]. The seed is best sown in pots in a frame[]. Seed can take 18 months to germinate. One month warm then one month cold stratification has produced good results[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings in late summer or autumn in sandy soil in a cold frame[, , ]. Difficult, it may be best done in late winter to early spring[].