Common Name: Chinese Weeping Cypress

General Information

Cupressus pendula is an evergreen tree with a pyrimadal or conical crown, becoming irregular and broad in old trees; it can grow around 30 - 35 metres tall. The straight trunk can be up to 200cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is cultivated for timber in China[], and is widely planted, especially in China, as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China.

Habitat

Mixed mountain forest or degraded woodland on mountain slopes and ravines, especially in limestone areas, also in sandy soils over sandstone; at elevations from 300 - 2,260 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Somewhat tender in Britain, at least in the north of the country[], it also seems to be short-lived[]. Plants do not succeed at Kew[].
Thrives in a well-drained loamy or peaty soil[]. Very tolerant of hot dry conditions[]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[] but is then more subject to insect damage in a succession of dry seasons[]. Requires a sunny position[]. Prefers a pH of 6 or lower[].
Cones can remain closed on the tree for a number of years, opening after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow rapidly in the ashes of the fire[].
Plants are subject to injury by the wind[, ].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
The crushed foliage has the scent of newly-mown grass[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaf is antiperiodic[]. It is used in the treatment of bleeding piles, excessive menstrual flow etc[].

A decoction of fruiting branches is used in the treatment of colds[].

The wood, especially the root wood, contains essential oils that is antiseptic. The wood, or the oil, can be used to cure inflammatory wounds[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the wood is used in the cosmetic industry[].

The white wood has an aromatic smell; is fine-textured; close and straight-grained; hard, tough; durable; resistant to termites and insects. Used for cabinetwork, furniture, fine art articles, general construction, agricultural implements etc[, , ].

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[]. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates[]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can store for several years[].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame[]. mid spring is the best time to take cuttings[].