Cupressus (Chamaecyparis) - Cypress

This family has recently been created by increased by including Chamaecyparis and some hybrids. They are mainly planted but Cupressus lawsoniana and Cupressus pisifera can be self-sown. X Cuprocyparis leylandii is always planted as it is sterile. As the hybrid was bred in the UK, it counts as one of our four native conifers, Yew, Scots Pine and Juniper are the others.

Cupressus lawsoniana - Lawson's Cypress. This is a variable tree with many cultivars. The ultimate branchlets are flattened and mainly spreading in one plane. Underneath they are waxy-white, although often this is just seen in the joints between the scales. The leaves have an acute tip. There is a distinctive, translucent gland in the centre of the median leaves. When crushed it smells of a resinous, parsley-like scent. Cones are 7- 9 mm.

X Cuprocyparis leylandii (Cupressus macrocarpa x Xanthocyparis nootkatensis) - Leyland Cypress (pictures awaited). This has dark red-brown bark. The foliage is in two planes. Leaves are dark green above and yellow-green below with no translucent glands. Cones are rare.

Cupressus pisifera - This is a variable tree with many cultivars. The ultimate branchlets are flattened and mainly spreading in one plane. The leaves have an acuminate curved tip. There may be an indistinct, translucent gland in the centre of the median leaves.