x Hesperocyparis leylandii, Leyland cypress
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Coniferous Trees

x Hesperocyparis leylandii

Leyland cypress

Cupressaceae

Hybrid origin; parents native to Monterey Peninsula, California and coastal Alaska south to Oregon

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height60–100 feet (18–30 m)
Width15–20 feet (4.6–6 m)
Maturity15 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 10
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

×Hesperocyparis leylandii (formerly ×Cupressocyparis leylandii) is a fast-growing, large evergreen conifer hybrid between Hesperocyparis macrocarpa (Monterey cypress) and Callitropsis nootkatensis (Alaska cedar). Trees reach 60–100 feet (18–30 m) tall and 15–20 feet (4.6–6 m) wide in mature specimens; growth rate is 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) per year or more when young. The habit is narrowly columnar to broadly pyramidal. Foliage consists of flattened sprays of small, scale-like, blue-green to gray-green leaves with a faint resinous scent when crushed. The rapid growth rate is the defining landscape characteristic; young trees can grow 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) per year under good conditions. The eventual mature height of 60–100 feet (18–30 m) is frequently underestimated at planting. In the Pacific Northwest, susceptibility to Seiridium canker (Seiridium cardinale), a fungal disease causing dieback, is the most significant long-term limitation; properly sited specimens in mild, moist coastal conditions perform better than those in drier or more continental inland sites.

Native Range

×Hesperocyparis leylandii is a hybrid between Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, native to the Monterey Peninsula of California, and Callitropsis nootkatensis, native to coastal Alaska south to Oregon. The hybrid was first raised at Leighton Hall, Wales, in 1888. It is not a Pacific Northwest native.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a large-scale screen, windbreak, and formal hedge in parks, institutional grounds, and large residential properties, spaced 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) apart for hedge use. The very fast growth produces usable screening in 3–5 years. Long-term viability depends on Seiridium canker pressure; the species performs better in mild, moist coastal sites than drier inland locations. Mature height requires careful siting — not suitable for confined spaces or sites near structures.

How to Identify

×Hesperocyparis leylandii is identified by its narrowly columnar to broadly pyramidal form; very fast growth rate; and flattened sprays of small, scale-like, blue-green to gray-green foliage with a faint resinous scent when crushed. Small round cones 0.6–0.9 inch (15–23 mm) rarely form in quantity. Distinguished from Thuja plicata by the more glaucous, less glossy foliage and absence of white butterfly-shaped undersides; distinguished from Chamaecyparis species by the columnar habit and hybrid characters.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height60' - 100'
Width/Spread15' - 20'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

brown

Foliage Colors

blue green
gray green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Male and female cones are on the same plant (monoecious). Male strobili are small, yellow-brown, releasing pollen in February–March. Female cones are small, 0.6–0.9 inch (15–23 mm), globular, rarely produced in quantity, ripening to brown in the second year.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow-brown (male strobili)

Foliage Description

blue-green to gray-green

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 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water weekly during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought but are more susceptible to Seiridium canker in dry conditions. Tolerates a wide range of soils; requires good drainage. Full sun is required for dense growth — trees in shade become open and sparse. Seiridium canker causes bark cankers, resin flow, and branch dieback with no effective treatment once established; select planting sites with adequate air circulation and avoid mechanical injury to bark. Mature height of 60–100 feet (18–30 m) requires substantial clearance from structures and power lines at planting.

Pruning

Tolerates shearing well and is commonly maintained as a clipped hedge. Shear in late spring and again in late summer. Avoid cutting into old wood without live foliage — the plant does not regenerate readily from bare stems. The natural columnar form requires no pruning on open sites. Diseased branches should be pruned out promptly and tools disinfected between cuts.

Pruning Schedule

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late springsummerfall

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic