Common Name(s): Italian Cypress, Columnar Italian Cypress

Synonym(s):

Family: Cupressaceae

Native To: Southern Europe and western Asia

Native Habitat: Arid areas

Growth Habit: Very tall, columnar evergreen

Flowering: Inconspicuous

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Italian cypress, also called a pencil pine, is an evergreen tree that is narrow, strictly erect and reaches heights of around 40 to 60 feet. The tree is rarely wider than 3 feet. The branches grow upright and are brown to gray in color. The scale-like leaves form on the tiny branches from the ground to the top of the tree. The gray-green leaves are less than 2 inches long and also grow upward. The fruit is similar to other like species in that it is a small oval berry” ½ to 1 inch wide, dry and somewhat hard and brown in color.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: This Mediterranean native has a long history in that region. It was a highly popular tree in ancient Greco and Italian gardens and planted extensively in the cities. The Ancient Greeks also used the wood to carve statues of their gods. We have the Stricta variety on campus.

Ethnobotany: The Italian cypress is used extensively today, as in the past, in Greco and Italian gardens. It is also used in formal landscapes, for framing, and as an accent around taller buildings.

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