Italian cypress 'Totem Pole' Cupressus sempervirens 'Totem Pole'

Names

• Family

  Cupressaceae

• Synonyms

  Italian Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Graveyard Cypress, Pencil Pine

• Common names

  Cupressus sempervirens 'Totem Pole'.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Dark green

• Height

  20 feet (6 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  7

• Native area

  Mediterranean

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Italian Cypress 'Totem Pole' has a distinctive, columnar shape that adds architectural interest to landscapes.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite tolerant of dry conditions, requiring minimal irrigation.
• Low Maintenance: It doesn't need regular pruning, saving time and effort in garden upkeep.
• Windbreak: Its dense foliage and tall, narrow form make it an excellent windbreak, providing protection for gardens and structures.
• Privacy Screen: Can be planted in rows to create a natural, evergreen screen for privacy and to block unwanted views.
• Shade Provider: When planted in groups, Italian Cypress can create shaded areas in the garden, particularly beneficial in hot climates.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, and the cones can be a food source for wildlife.
• Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion.
• Soil Adaptability: Able to grow in a wide range of soil types as long as there is adequate drainage.
• Longevity: It is a long-lived species, providing benefits for many years once successfully established.

Medical Properties

• Antiseptic: The essential oil of the Cypress tree has been used for its antiseptic properties.
• Antispasmodic: Traditionally, the Cypress has been used to alleviate spasms and cramps.
• Astringent: Cypress oil has been used for its astringent effects to tighten tissue and reduce bleeding.
• Vasoconstricting: The plant extract is sometimes used for its vasoconstricting properties, which can reduce varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
• Cough Relief: The Cypress tree extract has been historically used to help relieve coughs.
• Anti-rheumatic: It has been used in traditional medicine for relieving rheumatic pain.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The wood of the Italian Cypress is durable and can be used for making furniture, such as tables and chairs, due to its fine grain and aesthetic appeal.
• Due to its dense growth, Italian Cypress can be used as a sound barrier when planted in a row alongside a noisy street or highway.
• Bonsai enthusiasts may use Italian Cypress for creating miniature landscapes, as the species can be trained and pruned into various artistic forms.
• Italian Cypress branches can be incorporated into floral arrangements, wreaths, and garlands for a Mediterranean touch in decor.
• Shavings or offcuts of Italian Cypress wood can serve as a natural moth repellent in wardrobes and closets.
• The tree's tall, columnar shape makes it a natural choice for creating privacy screens in residential gardens or urban spaces without taking up much horizontal space.
• In film and theatre, Italian Cypress can be used on set to evoke a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern atmosphere thanks to its distinctive silhouette.
• Italian Cypress can be planted in pots and strategically placed to guide foot traffic in public spaces or gardens, serving as a living wayfinding aid.
• The essential oil extracted from Italian Cypress foliage has been used in perfumery for its fresh, woody scent.
• Due to its slow growth and manageable size when clipped, Italian Cypress is suited for use in model train or miniature diorama landscapes.

Feng Shui

The Italian Cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Italian Cypress is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Mortality and Immortality: The Cupressus sempervirens, commonly known as the Cypress Tree, often symbolizes both mortality and immortality due to its long lifespan and evergreen foliage, representing the soul's eternal life after death.
• Mourning: The Cypress Tree is frequently associated with mourning and is commonly found in cemeteries, symbolizing the grief and sorrow of loss.
• Eternity: Its evergreen nature conveys the concept of eternity, the enduring essence of the soul and endless life that transcends physical existence.
• Resilience: The Cypress's ability to withstand harsh conditions and grow in a wide range of environments symbolizes resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
• Hope: While often associated with death, the tree's perpetual greenness also offers a symbol of hope, suggesting the continuation of life and comfort in times of despair.