Description:

A medium-sized evergreen tree (20 - 40 feet in cultivation) with a wide, pyramidal form and numerous drooping branches covered with with long, flattened sprays. The evergreen foliage is dark bluish green or gray-green and persists for three years, though it sometimes turns brown in the second year. Unlike most species of Chamaecyparis, the leaves of the Alaskan cedar have no white markings on their undersides. The Alaskan cedar is sometimes confused with an arborvitae but can be distinguised by the distinctive drooping branches. Male flowers are yellowish and often conspicuous with their large numbers. Female flowers are inconspicuous. Cones are fairly small and numerous although solitary, and they ripen the second year. The Alaskan cedar is a native of coastal Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.

Site Requirements:

Likes abundantly moist but well-drained soil and moderately high humidity. Full sun to light shade. Does not like excessive wind. Hardy in zones 4-8.

Sustainable Features:

No serious pest or disease problems. Moderate growth rate.

Landscape Use:

May be used as a screen plant, in a hedge or along foundations or borders. Probably best used in well-spaced groups or alone as a specimen to emphasize the beauty of the foliage. Also good as a container plant.

Cultivars:

•  'Pendula' is the most widely available in southern New England. It is a graceful, weeping form with dark green foliage which can serve as a handsome accent plant.
• 'Glauca' is similar to the species type but with very blue foliage. 'Glauca Pendula' has blue foliage and a weeping form.
• 'Green Arrow' has an upright and narrow growth habit and lighter green foliage.
• 'Variegate' and 'Laura Aurora' have splashes of cream in the foliage
• 'Compacta' possesses a round, compact form.

Sources:

The cultivar 'Pendula' is available from a number of Rhode Island sources. Other cultivars are available from nursery catelogues.

Propagation Information for Growers:

By seed. Cultivars are commercially grafted.

Adapted from the University of Massachusetts Extension Service, 2001

Pesticides are poisonous! Read and follow all safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original containers out of reach of children, pets or livestock. Dispose of empty containers immediately, in a safe manner and place. Pesticides should never be stored with foods or in areas where people eat.

When trade names are used for identification, no product endorsement is implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials. Be sure that the pesticide you intend to use is registered for the state of use.

The user of this information assumes all risk for personal injury or property damage.

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For more information, call the URI CE Gardening and Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-1011 or (401)874-2929 from outside Rhode Island; Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm.

 

University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension provides equal program opportunities.