Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula' - Weeping Alaskan Cedar
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A graceful, delicately weeping tree with pendulous branches, more so than the species; a great accent tree for the home landscape
Height: 25 feet. Spread: 12 feet. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 4b.
Ornamental features
Weeping Nootka Cypress is primarily valued in the landscape for its highly ornamental weeping form. It has bluish-green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage remain bluish-green throughout the winter. The shaggy antique red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape
Weeping Nootka Cypress is an open evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a rounded form and gracefully weeping branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Recommended for: Accent, Vertical Accent, General Garden Use.
Planting and growing
Weeping Nootka Cypress will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.
Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.
Quantity
Size
20-25’ h x 15’ w @ 20 years
Key Attributes
Specimen. Upright habit with drooping branches. Soft, rich green foliage.
Considerations
Plant 8-10' away from structures to maximize visual impact. Many Alaskan cedars planted too close to homes and other buildings are aggressively pruned around the base and end up loosing their natural form.
While rarely damaged by deer during warmer months, it's a good idea to protect the base from browse (and rut) from November through March in areas with high deer pressure.
Cultural Needs
Grows best in full to part sun. Prefers moisture with good drainage, but will grow in average soils. Thrives in cooler locations, such as around lawn and garden beds, as opposed to landscape rock and cement.
Botanical Name
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula'