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Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula'
weeping Alaska yellow cedar
Alaska south through BC, Washington, and Oregon coastal and subalpine forests; 'Pendula' is a weeping cultivarLearn more
Overview
Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula' is a large, evergreen, narrowly weeping coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, a cultivar of Alaska yellow cedar native to coastal and subalpine forests from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The species epithet nootkatensis refers to Nootka Sound, BC, where the species was first documented for Western science; 'Pendula' means 'weeping.' Plants grow 25–45 feet (7.5–14 m) tall and only 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) wide, forming a strikingly columnar, vertical accent. The defining character is the branch architecture: a strong, upright central leader maintains vertical dominance while all lateral branches hang STRAIGHT DOWN parallel to the trunk in dense curtains. The foliage is blue-green to gray-green, scale-like, and pleasantly aromatic — yellow cedar has a characteristic pungent, somewhat raw-potato smell when crushed, distinct from western red cedar. The NODDING LEADER TIP bends gracefully, distinguishing it from rigidly upright columnar conifers. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Species native to coastal and subalpine forests from Alaska south through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. 'Pendula' is a weeping cultivar selected from the native species.Suggested Uses
Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula' is planted as a vertical accent specimen in Pacific Northwest gardens where a dramatic, narrow, weeping silhouette is desired. The extremely narrow width (4–8 ft) relative to height (25–45 ft) allows use in tighter spaces than most large conifers. Effective for framing entryways, punctuating corners, or providing vertical exclamation points in formal or naturalistic designs. The year-round blue-green curtaining foliage and graceful nodding leader provide distinctive presence in all seasons.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 45'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Small, inconspicuous pollen cones release pollen in spring (March–April). Small, round to ovoid female cones 0.4–0.6 inch (10–15 mm) with 4–6 scales ripen in the second year (August–September), turning from green to brownish-purple. Wind-pollinated. Cones smaller than those of Thuja plicata and more rounded.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
small round to ovoid cones 0.4–0.6 inch; brownish-purple when ripe; ripen Aug–Sept year 2; wind-pollinated; BRANCHES HANG STRAIGHT DOWN parallel to trunk in dense curtains; NODDING LEADER TIP; extremely narrow (4–8 ft wide at 25–45 ft tall)Foliage Description
blue-green to gray-green; scale-like; PUNGENT RAW-POTATO SMELL when crushed — distinct from Thuja plicata cedar fragrance; nootkatensis = Nootka Sound BC; 'Pendula' = 'weeping'Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula' requires full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.0–7.5. Tolerates wet soils better than most conifers — highly adaptable in the Pacific Northwest maritime climate. Water regularly until established. Cold-hardy and wind-tolerant. The narrow footprint makes it suitable for smaller spaces than most large conifers. Requires no staking — the weeping form is self-supporting.Pruning
No pruning required. The weeping form is natural and self-sustaining. Do not attempt to alter the weeping habit — the natural curtaining of branches is the ornamental feature. Remove any dead branches in spring. The strong central leader should not be cut.Pruning Schedule
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late spring