Callitropsis nootkatensis
Nootka Cypress , formerly
Cupressus nootkatensis, Xanthocyparis nootkatensis or
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, is a
cypress with a chequered taxonomic and nomenclatural history.
First described in the genus
Cupressus is one of several genera within the family [i] Cupressaceae [i] that ...
as
Cupressus nootkatensis in 1824, it was transferred to
Chamaecyparis is one of several genera within the family [i] Cupressaceae [i] t ...
in 1841 on the basis of its foliage being in flattened sprays, as in other
Chamaecyparis, but unlike most 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.
Encyclopedia
Nootka Cypress , formerly
Cupressus nootkatensis, Xanthocyparis nootkatensis or
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, is a
cypress with a chequered taxonomic and nomenclatural history.
First described in the genus
Cupressus is one of several genera within the family [i] Cupressaceae [i] that ...
as
Cupressus nootkatensis in 1824, it was transferred to
Chamaecyparis is one of several genera within the family [i] Cupressaceae [i] t ...
in 1841 on the basis of its foliage being in flattened sprays, as in other
Chamaecyparis, but unlike most 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. , strongly supported its return to
Cupressus and exclusion from
Chamaecyparis.
More recently, Farjon
et al. 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. , while confirming the above relationship with further evidence, pointed out that an earlier nomenclatural combination in the genus
Callitropsis is a genus of two species of cypress [i]es in the family Cupressaceae [i], one native t ...
existed, as
Callitropsis nootkatensis 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.
Although acceptance of the revised classification of this tree is widespread among
botanists, inertia in the horticultural and
forestry industries , 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 scales, and resemble the cones of
Mexican Cypress 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 trees with one specimen found to be 1834 years old .
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.
Uses
Construction
The various physical properties of the
wood makes it an attractive material for both general constrution 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 .
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.
- Farjon, A., Hiep, N. T., Harder, D. K., Loc, P. K., & Averyanov, L. 2002. A new genus and species in the Cupressaceae 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 . American Journal of Botany 91 : 1872–1881.
- Mill, R. R. and Farjon, A. . Proposal to conserve the name Xanthocyparis against Callitropsis Oerst. . Taxon 55: 229-231.
