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Leyland cypress

Leyland cypress © Pete Birch

Leyland cypress

Scientific name: Cupressus x leylandii
The Leyland cypress, or 'Leylandii', is a notorious tree that has been widely planted for its fast-growing nature. It easily can get out of control, shading gardens at the expense of native plants.

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 40m

Conservation status

Introduced, non-native species.

When to see

January to December

About

The Leyland cypress, or 'Leylandii', is a large evergreen tree that is widely planted in parks and gardens as an ornamental species. It shows exceptionally rapid growth and has dense foliage - both factors that make it a popular hedging species. However, it can quickly grow it excessive heights, blocking out light in gardens.

How to identify

A tall, fast-growing, evergreen tree, the Leyland cypress has red-grey bark, slender and flexible twigs, and scale-like, soft leaves that form flat 'sprays'. It produces small, round, brown cones.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

The Leyland cypress is actually a cultivated hybrid - a sterile cross between the Monterey cypress and the Nootka cypress, both from North America.