CALLITROPSIS NOOTKATENSIS

'Nootka Cypress' ('''Callitropsis nootkatensis'''), formerly ''Cupressus nootkatensis, Xanthocyparis nootkatensis'' or ''Chamaecyparis nootkatensis'', is a cypress (Cupressaceae) with a chequered taxonomic and nomenclatural history.
First described in the genus ''Cupressus'' as ''Cupressus nootkatensis'' in 1824, it was transferred to ''Chamaecyparis'' in 1841 on the basis of its foliage being in flattened sprays, as in other ''Chamaecyparis'', but unlike most (though not all) other ''Cupressus'' species.
However, this placement does not fit with the morphology and phenology of the cones, which are far more like ''Cupressus'', like them maturing in two years, not one. Genetic evidence, published by Gadek ''et al.'' (2000), strongly supported its return to ''Cupressus'' and exclusion from ''Chamaecyparis''.
More recently, Farjon ''et al.'' (2002) transferred it to a new genus ''Xanthocyparis'', together with the newly discovered Vietnamese Golden Cypress ''Xanthocyparis vietnamensis''; this species is remarkably similar to Nootka Cypress and the treatment has many arguments in its favour, as while they are not related to ''Chamaecyparis'', neither do they fit fully in ''Cupressus'' despite the many similarities.
Little ''et al.'' (2004), while confirming the above relationship with further evidence, pointed out that an earlier nomenclatural combination in the genus ''Callitropsis'' existed, as ''Callitropsis nootkatensis'' (D.Don) Oerst., published in 1864 but overlooked or ignored by other subsequent authors. Little ''et al.'' therefore synonymised ''Xanthocyparis'' with ''Callitropsis'', the correct name for these species under the ICBN when treated in a distinct genus. The name ''Xanthocyparis'' has now been proposed for conservation, but until that is decided on at the 2011 International Botanical Congress, it is correctly classified in ''Callitropsis''.

cone detail

seeds

Although acceptance of the revised classification of this tree is widespread among botanists, inertia in the horticultural and forestry industries (both typically very slow to adopt the results of botanical research), mean the name ''Chamaecyparis nootkatensis'' is likely to continue being listed in many situations.
This species goes by many common names including 'Nootka Cypress', 'Yellow Cypress', and 'Alaska Cypress'. Even though it is not a cedar, it is also often confusingly called "Nootka Cedar", "Yellow Cedar", "Alaska Cedar", or even "Alaska Yellow Cedar". Its name derives from its discovery on the lands of a First Nation of Canada, the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, who were formerly referred to as the Nootka.
Nootka Cypress is native to the west coast of North America, from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, south to northernmost California, typically occurring on wet sites in mountains, often close to the tree line, but sometimes also at lower altitudes.
It is an evergreen tree to 40 m tall, commonly with pendulous branches. The foliage is in flat sprays, with dark green, 3-5 mm long scale-leaves. The cones have 4 (occasionally 6) scales, and resemble the cones of Mexican Cypress (''Cupressus lusitanica'', another ''Cupressus'' species which can show foliage in flat sprays) fairly closely, except being somewhat smaller, typically 10-14 mm diameter; each scale has a pointed triangular bract about 1.5-2 mm long, again similar to other ''Cupressus'' and unlike the crescent-shaped, non-pointed bract on the scales of ''Chamaecyparis'' cones. The Caren Range on the west coast of British Columbia is home to the oldest Nootka Cypress specimens in the world, with one specimen found to be 1,834 years old (Gymnosperm Database).
It is one of the parents of the hybrid Leyland Cypress; as the other parent, Monterey Cypress, is also in genus ''Cupressus'', the ready formation of this hybrid is a further argument for the placement of the Nootka cypress close to ''Cupressus''.
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Contents

Uses

Construction

Landscaping

References

Uses

Construction

The various physical properties of the wood make it an attractive material for both general construction and boat building. Due to its slow growth it is hard and, like other cypress woods it is durable; it therefore offers good dimensional stability, and is resistant to weather, insects, and contact with soil. It works easily with hand or machine tools; it turns and carves quite well. It can be fastened with glues, screws, and nails. Nootka Cypress's texture, uniform color, and straight grain will take a fine finish. It resists splintering and wears smoothly over time.
Due to its expense, it is used mainly for finished carpentry. Typical uses include exterior siding, shingles, decking, exposed beams, glue-laminated beams, paneling, cabinetry, and millwork. In historic preservation it can be used as a substitute for Western Redcedar and Baldcypress, due to current difficulties in obtaining quality timber of those species due to environmental concern and past over-exploitation (though this applies equally to Nootka Cypress).
Other uses for Nootka Cypress include saunas, and battery containers due to its resistance to acids. Traditionally, paddles, masks, dishes, and bows were made from the wood.

Landscaping

The drooping branchlets give the tree a graceful weeping appearance. It makes an attractive specimen tree in parks and open spaces. It can also be used as a tall hedge.
It will grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9, but can be difficult to grow. Best growth is in light or heavy soil, preferably well drained, and in climates with cool summers. It prefers semi-shade to full sun.
Nootka Cypress can also be used in bonsai.

References

★ Gadek, P. A., Alpers, D. L., Heslewood, M. M., & Quinn, C. J. 2000. Relationships within Cupressaceae sensu lato: a combined morphological and molecular approach. ''American Journal of Botany'' 87: 1044–1057. Abstract

★ Farjon, A., Hiep, N. T., Harder, D. K., Loc, P. K., & Averyanov, L. 2002. A new genus and species in the Cupressaceae (Coniferales) from northern Vietnam, Xanthocyparis vietnamensis. ''Novon'' 12: 179–189.

★ Little, D. P., Schwarzbach, A. E., Adams, R. P. & Hsieh, Chang-Fu. 2004. The circumscription and phylogenetic relationships of ''Callitropsis'' and the newly described genus ''Xanthocyparis'' (Cupressaceae). ''American Journal of Botany'' 91 (11): 1872–1881. Abstract

★ Mill, R. R. and Farjon, A. (2006). Proposal to conserve the name Xanthocyparis against Callitropsis Oerst. (Cupressaceeae). ''Taxon'' 55(1): 229-231.

★ Gymnosperm Database: ''Callitropsis nootkatensis'' (as ''Xanthocyparis nootkatensis'')

★ Photo of cones