Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest', Goldcrest Monterey Cypress
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Coniferous Trees

Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'

Goldcrest Monterey Cypress

Cupressaceae

Monterey Peninsula, California (species); cultivar from New Zealand

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m)
Width3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m)
Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' (formerly Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest', sometimes sold as 'Wilma Goldcrest') is an evergreen conifer reaching 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m) tall with a spread of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m), developing a narrowly columnar to pyramidal form. The primary ornamental feature is the foliage: bright golden-yellow to chartreuse, dense, scale-like, in flattened sprays, maintaining color year-round — one of the most vivid golden conifers available. Foliage releases a distinctive lemon scent when brushed or crushed. Bark is reddish-brown, fibrous. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year. The species H. macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) is native to a very small area of the California coast near Monterey and Point Lobos, where it grows in exposed, wind-swept coastal bluffs. The species is much larger and wilder in form; 'Goldcrest' is a compact, columnar selection. Marginally hardy in the Pacific Northwest — performs well in USDA zones 7b-8 in sheltered urban sites but can suffer winter damage in exposed or colder locations. Susceptible to cypress canker (Seiridium cardinale), which is prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. Not long-lived in the region — typically 15-25 years before canker or cold damage becomes severe.

Native Range

The species Hesperocyparis macrocarpa is native to a very restricted range on the Monterey Peninsula, California. The cultivar 'Goldcrest' is a garden selection from New Zealand.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a vertical accent, specimen, or in narrow spaces where a bright golden column is desired, spaced 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) apart. Effective in containers (minimum 15-gallon) for patios and entryways, which also allows relocation to shelter in cold winters. The lemon fragrance adds sensory interest near pathways. Shorter-lived than most landscape conifers; consider as a medium-term accent rather than a permanent planting. For a hardier golden conifer, consider Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' or Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii'.

How to Identify

Identified by bright golden-yellow dense scale-like foliage in flattened sprays, narrowly columnar form, and distinctive lemon fragrance when foliage is brushed. Distinguished from Chamaecyparis lawsoniana golden cultivars by broader, flatter spray arrangement and lemon (not resinous) scent. Distinguished from Thuja golden cultivars by the columnar (not broadly pyramidal) form and lemon fragrance.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

yellow

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Cones are inconspicuous and not ornamentally significant. Male cones are tiny, releasing pollen in late winter to spring. Female cones are round, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), woody, green ripening to brown. The ornamental value is entirely in the golden foliage.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Inconspicuous (cones)

Foliage Description

Bright golden-yellow to chartreuse

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun for the brightest golden color; color fades toward green in shade. Requires well-drained soil; will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Site in a sheltered location protected from cold winter winds and hard freezes. Monitor for cypress canker — look for dieback of branches with resinous cankers on bark; prune out affected branches well below symptoms and sterilize tools. Not reliably long-lived in the Pacific Northwest.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed to maintain the natural columnar form. Remove dead and damaged branches. If snow or ice damage distorts the form, tie branches back to the central leader. Remove canker-affected branches immediately. Do not cut back into old, bare wood — conifers in this genus do not regenerate from leafless wood.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic