Leyland cypress

The Leyland cypress also known as Cupressus leylandii is a hybrid created by crossing the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), and the Alaskan cypress, (Cupressus nootkatensis). The Leyland Cypress originated in England in 1888 and has been traditionally used as a Christmas tree.

The Leyland Cypress thrives when it is moist soil, but is also able to grow in dry landscapes although it does not grow to its full potential. The average minimum temperature which is, 0° to 10°F. Although the foliage is full, the needles on this particular species are not sharp unlike some other trees. The foliage colors that are common on this species are gray to bright green as seen in the picture below. The Leyland Cypress is one of the most versatile trees that are used today.

Anatomy


The Leyland cypress is able to grow to around 60 to 70 feet tall. The width of this particular tree is approximately 12 to 20 feet. Although the normal height of the tree is 60 to 70 feet, they are capable of reaching heights of 70 to 100 feet tall when they are fully grown. In order to reach the maximum height, many years are needed because there is a growth rate in this species of about 3 to 4 feet a year. The Leyland Cypress forms a pyramid shape when it is grown. The branches on this particular species are usually flat in shape, yet dense. The branches and foliage are usually a green or blue green color. In order to create the density that is common in this species, much foliage is needed because the branches are small individually. The fruit born by the Leyland Cypress are small and do not usually shed on the ground..

Reproduction
Leyland Cypress trees are reproduced through the planting of their seeds. There are growers who grow the Leyland Cypress species in areas where they can be monitored as well, as well as where they have they have the greatest chance to grow. A greater number of trees are able to be sold when they are grown in secluded where growers are able to minimize the number of parasites which would damage the foliage. Because of the large number of trees that are grown, Cypress trees are used as Christmas trees in some cases due of its cone shape. 

Ecology


Leyland Cypresses are usually planted in gardens. This particular species needs some sun, as well as some shade. The soil that is needed cannot be to watered but must be "well-drained". Although it prefers well-drained soil, it is able to adapt to its surroundings. It is able to still live and grow in acidic soil as well as alkaline. This particular plant thrives in coastal regions where it is able to properly grow and get the ideal soil. The Leyland Cypress poorly adapts to the summer heat, because as it was listed earlier it thrives in areas where there there is moist soil.

History and Common Uses
Leyland Cypresses trees are usually planted in gardens which makes a good border without using a fence. The trees have a tendency to grow very rapidly and sometimes may grow up to a meter a day. When the Leyland Cypress is given the proper shade as as well as the proper sunlight, there height can often become a problem when there are property dividers. An example of this problem is in Britain where there are several cases where there have been rather large disputes amongst neighbors regarding its capacity to cut out light of a neighbors property because of its height. In one instance there was even a murder over the property being blocked of sun because the tree was blocking sunlight. There was a law past a later time which is: Part VI of the Anti-Social Behavior Act 2003, which made a way for people who had been affected by high hedges to ask the local government or authority figures to research laws about the hedges. This law gave the authorities, if needed, the power to decrease the height of the plant. The original name of the plant came from C.J. Leyland, who was originally a sea captain, that grew some of the first hybrids in 1888 on his land in England.

Related References

 * Leyland Cypress A free encyclopedia. Wikipedia. Many authors.
 * Clemson EDU An educational work on the Leyland Cypress, written by a professor at Clemson
 * The Bugwood Network Professor of Forestry, The University of Georgia