Cupressus, Genus, funebris, Species,
- Genus & species
Chinese weeping cypress
Overview
Cupressus funebris is an evergreen conifer reaching 40–80 feet (12–24 m) tall in cultivation and up to 115 feet (35 m) in native forest, with an upright, conical to columnar trunk and a crown 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide. Branchlets are slender, flattened in one plane, and hang in pendulous sprays. Scale-like leaves, 0.04–0.06 inch (1–1.5 mm) long, are dark green above, paler below, and pressed against the shoots. Bark is grey-brown, thin, and peels in narrow strips. Plants are monoecious, and yellow pollen cones about 0.1 inch (2–3 mm) long release pollen in February–March. Seed cones are globose, 0.3–0.5 inch (8–12 mm) across, and ripen in the second year from green to brown. Growth is 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) per year. Trees tolerate calcareous soils and, once established, drought, and withstand temperatures to about 10°F (−12°C). Roots rot in waterlogged soil, and cold wind damages foliage in zone 7. Pollen is allergenic.
Native Range
Native to central and southern China, including Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, Guizhou, and Zhejiang, at elevations below 6,500 feet (2,000 m). Grows on limestone hills and calcareous soils in mixed forest, and is widely planted near temples and cemeteries.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen or avenue tree in large gardens, parks, and cemeteries at 10–15 foot (3–4.5 m) spacing. The aromatic wood is used in construction and as incense. Mature size and cold sensitivity limit use in small gardens and in zone 7 and colder.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 80'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green above, paler beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Trees grow in full sun in well-drained loam, chalk, or rocky soil at pH 6.5–8.0. Water weekly during the first 2 growing seasons; established trees tolerate dry spells of 4–6 weeks. Waterlogged soil causes root rot, and cold, drying winter wind browns the foliage in zone 7. Cypress canker and bagworms occur in some regions. Young trees are staked in exposed sites until the trunk reaches 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.Pruning
Little pruning is needed. Dead and crossing branches are removed in late winter, and lower branches can be removed to raise the crown. Cuts into leafless old wood do not produce new shoots.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February
winter
