Genus of about 24 species of evergreen, monoecious, tree-like conifers native to the Northern Hemisphere, growing in dry, open hill forests. Cupressus macrocarpa is a narrowly conical to columnar tree-like conifer, pointed at the top when young, becoming very broad with age, with a shallowly fissured bark. The pointed, glandless, lemon-scented, dark or bright green leaves, 2 mm long, are borne in spreading, erect feathery branchlets. The female cones are spherical brown, 2.5–3 cm wide. It can reach 30 m in height.
Pedoclimatic requirements
It prefers loose, well-drained soils rich in humus. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, as long as it is in a position sheltered from strong winds. It is resistant to cold but it is advisable to protect it from temperatures below 0°c when the plant is still young.
