Italian Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens

Native to:
Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Iran, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Palestine, Türkiye

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Coniferophyta | - Conifers
Family:
Cupressaceae
Genus:
Cupressus
Species:
Cupressus sempervirens
USDA Symbol:
CUSE2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
3500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Argyrotaenia cupressae

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Thick bark provides some fire resistance; can resprout after low-intensity fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Mediterranean regions with dry summers

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks to break dormancy; sow in well-drained seed compost.

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 10C.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society