Leyland Cypress - Cupressus x leylandii

A tall, fast growing evergreen conifer to a height of 35 feet. The cone of Leyland Cypress has a prominent conical protuberance. The scale-like leaves are produced at different angles on the stem.

Lawson and Nootka Cypress are commonly planted.  Other Cupressus, Juniperus and Thuja also have appressed scale like leaves in opposite pairs.  There are many Leyland Cypress cultivars and identification may be difficult.

Cupressus have globose cones with peltate scales (i.e. the stalk arises from the middle of the under surface rather than the base or margin of the scale).  Leyland's have a large spine on each scale (Lawson's is a small prickle) but this is also seen in Nootka.

The branchlets are usually spreading in 3 dimensions, but may be flattened (Nootka, with flattened branchlets, is one of the parent species; Monterey Cypress, with spreading branchlets, is the other).   Monterey has large cones, usually over >2cm; Leyland has small cones less than or equal to 2cm.

Photos of branchlets, showing whether spreading/flattened; photos of cones.

Usually found as a planted tree.

All year round.

Evergreen conifer.

Widespread and frequent in Britain as a planted tree.

Commonly planted tree in Leicestershire and Rutland parks and gardens. It was not recorded in the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire.