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Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'
Goldcrest Monterey Cypress
Species native to the Monterey Peninsula, California (restricted to two small groves); cultivar selected in New Zealand
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' is a narrowly columnar coniferous evergreen tree growing 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m) tall and 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide. Bright golden-yellow to chartreuse scale-like foliage is borne in dense upright sprays and releases a distinct lemon scent when crushed or brushed. The species name macrocarpa means large-fruited. 'Goldcrest' was selected in New Zealand. The wild species is restricted to two small groves on the Monterey Peninsula, California — a natural range of only a few miles that is among the smallest of any North American conifer. Golden foliage color is most intense in full sun (6+ hours); shaded portions revert toward green. Fast-growing during early establishment — maturity reached in 5-8 years. Susceptible to cypress canker (Seiridium cardinale), which often causes dieback and shortens lifespan to 15-25 years; this canker susceptibility is the primary limitation in warm humid climates. Tolerates salt spray and coastal wind, making the cultivar suitable for exposed coastal sites. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.
Native Range
Species native to the Monterey Peninsula, California — restricted to two small groves spanning only a few miles of coastline, a natural range that is among the smallest of any North American conifer. 'Goldcrest' is a cultivar selected in New Zealand.Suggested Uses
Grown as a narrow golden columnar accent, screen, or in large containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L), spaced 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) apart. The lemon fragrance and year-round golden foliage make the cultivar common in coastal Mediterranean and modern garden plantings. Non-toxic. Hardy in zones 7-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Not ornamentally significant. Monoecious. Small spherical cones, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), mature on the branches. Wind-pollinated.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bright golden-yellow to chartreuse scale-like foliage in dense upright sprays; golden color is most intense in full sun and reverts toward green in shaded portions; lemon-scented when crushed or brushed; evergreen year-roundGrowing 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
Site in full sun (6-12 hours — golden color fades in shade) in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-8.0. Drought-tolerant once established. Susceptible to cypress canker, which can shorten lifespan to 15-25 years in warm humid climates; canker-affected branches should be removed by cutting well below the discolored tissue. Tolerates salt spray and coastal wind. Minimal pruning. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Hardy in zones 7-9.Pruning
Prune in early spring (March-April) if shaping is needed. The narrowly columnar form requires minimal pruning. Remove canker-affected branches by cutting well below the discolored tissue.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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A
M
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early spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons