Common Name: Italian Cypress

General Information

Italian cypress is an evergreen tree with a very narrow, pencil-shaped crown, that can grow up to 40 metres tall. The bole can be up to 200cm in diameter[, ].
The tree has been planted as a timber crop in areas from the warm temperate zone to the tropics, often being grown in east Africa[]. It is widely grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

Poisonous[]. No more details.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. Europe to W. Asia.

Habitat

Rocky mountainous areas, usually near the coast, in S. Europe[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Italian cypress is a plant of the warm temperate zone, but able to be cultivated in the subtropics and at higher elevations in the tropics[].
Thrives in a deep well-drained loamy or peaty soil[]. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and drought[]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[] but is then more subject to damage by white-scale insects in a succession of dry seasons[]. Plants are not very happy when growing on chalky soils but they thrive on limestone[]. Requires a sunny position[].
Growth can be quite vigorous, especially in young trees, with many averaging 60cm a year[]. Growth slows and almost comes to a halt when the tree is 12 - 15 metres tall[].
Plants are subject to injury by the wind[, ].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
The seed takes two summers to mature[]. Mature cones can remain unopened on the tree for a number of years[]. They open after the heat of a forest fire to scatter their seeds which then germinate and grow away quickly in the ashes of the fire[].
Plants are resentful of root disturbance, any transplanting should be done in April or September when the roots are in active growth[, ].
A very variable plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The cones and young branches are anthelmintic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic and vasoconstrictor[, , ]. They are harvested in late winter and early spring, then dried for later use[]. Taken internally, it is used in the treatment of whooping cough, the spitting up of blood, spasmodic coughs, colds, flu and sore throats[]. Decoctions of the branches and leaves are reported to be used to treat peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids and menstruation problems[].
Applied externally as a lotion or as a diluted essential oil (using an oil such as almond), it astringes varicose veins and haemorrhoids, tightening up the blood vessels[]. A foot bath of the cones is used to cleanse the feet and counter excessive sweating[]. The extracted essential oil should not be taken internally without professional guidance[].

A resin is obtained from the tree by making incisions in the trunk[]. This has a vulnerary action on slow-healing wounds and also encourages whitlows to come to a head[].

An essential oil from the leaves and cones is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Astringent'[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is distilled from the shoots. It is used in perfumery and soap making[, , ]. The leaves contain about 2% essential oil whilst the wood contains about 2.5%[].

An infusion of the wood is used in footbaths to combat perspiration of the feet[].

Wood - fragrant, very hard and durable. A popular wood for building uses, cabinet making and wardrobes, especially since it retains its fragrance, repels moths and is impervious to woodworm[, , , ].

Propagation

Seed - 30 days of stratification at 20 °c stimulated seed germination. The seed can store for several years[].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood[].

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