Common Name: Italian Cypress

General Information

Cupressus sempervirens is an evergreen tree with a very narrow, pencil-shaped crown becoming irregular and broad in old trees; it can grow up to 40 metres tall. The straight trunk can be up to 200cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree has been planted as a timber crop in areas from the warm temperate zone to the tropics, often being grown in east Africa[]. It is widely grown as an ornamental.
Cupressus sempervirens, in its uncultivated form, is very widespread but scattered; large and viable subpopulations exist as well as relict trees without successful reproduction in situ. It will certainly be of regional concern, e.g. in Israel and Lebanon, but globally it is still too abundant to be threatened with extinction. Exploitation has largely ceased, except local use for firewood in wood-deficient areas.The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Poisonous[]. No more details.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Mediterranean - Libya, Cyprus, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria, to Iran

Habitat

Rocky mountainous areas, usually near the coast, in S. Europe[, ]. Maquis and in pine or juniper woodland, growing in rocky soil mostly over limestone on slopes and in gorges, occasionally igneous rock; at elevations up to 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Italian cypress grows in a Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and winter rain, the climate becoming semi-arid in the more eastern parts of its range. It is often be cultivated in the subtropics and at higher elevations in the tropics[].
Thrives in a deep well-drained loamy or peaty soil[]. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and drought[]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[] but is then more subject to damage by white-scale insects in a succession of dry seasons[]. Plants are not very happy when growing on chalky soils but they thrive on limestone[]. Requires a sunny position[].
Growth can be quite vigorous, especially in young trees, with many averaging 60cm a year[]. Growth slows and almost comes to a halt when the tree is 12 - 15 metres tall[].
Plants are subject to injury by the wind[, ].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
The seed takes two summers to mature[]. Mature cones can remain unopened on the tree for a number of years[]. They open after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow away quickly in the ashes of the fire[].
Plants are resentful of root disturbance, any transplanting should be done in April or September when the roots are in active growth[, ].
A very variable plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The cones and young branches are anthelmintic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic and vasoconstrictor[, , ]. They are harvested in late winter and early spring, then dried for later use[]. Taken internally, it is used in the treatment of whooping cough, the spitting up of blood, spasmodic coughs, colds, flu and sore throats[]. Decoctions of the branches and leaves are reported to be used to treat peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids and menstruation problems[].
Applied externally as a lotion or as a diluted essential oil (using an oil such as almond), it astringes varicose veins and haemorrhoids, tightening up the blood vessels[]. A foot bath of the cones is used to cleanse the feet and counter excessive sweating[]. The extracted essential oil should not be taken internally without professional guidance[].

A resin is obtained from the tree by making incisions in the trunk[]. This has a vulnerary action on slow-healing wounds and also encourages whitlows to come to a head[].

An essential oil from the leaves and cones is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Astringent'[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is distilled from the shoots. It is used in perfumery and soap making[, , ]. The leaves contain about 2% essential oil whilst the wood contains about 2.5%[].

An infusion of the wood is used in footbaths to combat perspiration of the feet[].

The fragrant wood is very hard and very durable. A popular wood for building uses, cabinet making and wardrobes, especially since it retains its fragrance, repels moths and is impervious to woodworm[, , , , ].

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[].