Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula', weeping Alaska yellow cedar
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Coniferous Trees

Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula'

weeping Alaska yellow cedar

Cupressaceae

Alaska south through BC, Washington, and Oregon coastal and subalpine forests; 'Pendula' is a weeping cultivar

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height25-45 feet (7.5-14 m)
Width4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Fragrant (moderate)
Native to North America
Maintenancevery low

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

Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula' is identified by the combination of STRONGLY COLUMNAR FORM and BRANCHES HANGING STRAIGHT DOWN parallel to the trunk in dense curtains — a narrowly upright weeping silhouette with no equivalent among common PNW conifers. Nootkatensis = from Nootka Sound, BC; 'Pendula' = 'weeping.' Blue-green to gray-green scale-like foliage. NODDING LEADER TIP bends gracefully at top. Foliage has characteristic PUNGENT RAW-POTATO SMELL when crushed — distinct from Thuja plicata (cedar fragrance). Very narrow width (4–8 ft) relative to height (25–45 ft).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height25' - 45'
Width/Spread4' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Flower Colors

brown

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
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'; DATA CORRECTIONS: species null; rewrote curly-brace prose

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysilt
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

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

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic
Callitropsis nootkatensis 'Pendula' (weeping Alaska yellow cedar) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef