Lemon cypress Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'
ABOUT
The Goldcrest, often referred to as the Lemon Cypress due to its citrus-scented foliage, is a cultivar of Monterey Cypress with a distinctly vibrant appearance. It features bright, lemon-yellow foliage that persists throughout the year, offering a dash of color in garden landscapes. The needle-like leaves are small and scale-like, densely packed along the plant's upright, columnar branches. Their arrangement along the stems adds texture and depth to the plant's conical shape. When crushed or brushed against, the leaves emit a pleasant lemon scent, which can be quite refreshing in the garden setting. The overall form of the Goldcrest is narrow and cone-shaped, making it a popular choice for formal garden areas where a vertical accent is desired. It also has a fine, soft texture that contrasts nicely with plants that have broader leaves or a more rigid structure.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest', Lemon Cypress, Goldcrest Cypress, Golden Crest, Lemon Scented Monterey Cypress
Common names
Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, Callitropsis macrocarpa, Neocupressus macrocarpa, Cupressus macrocarpa.
ToxicityTo humans
The Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, despite its non-toxic status, ingestion of plant parts may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in significant quantities. It's advisable to avoid ingestion to prevent any potential discomfort.
To pets
The Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' is also not known to be toxic to pets. As is the case with humans, ingestion of its parts isn't expected to cause serious issues. However, pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of the plant. It's best to keep an eye on pets to prevent them from ingesting plants unnecessarily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
California
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Monterrey Cypress 'Goldcrest' is appreciated for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage, which can add a splash of color to garden landscapes or indoor environments.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and tolerating a range of soil conditions, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good tolerance to drought conditions, which is beneficial in regions with water restrictions or low rainfall.
- Windbreak: Often used in landscapes to provide a windbreak, the densely foliaged 'Goldcrest' can help reduce wind speed and protect other plants.
- Privacy Screen: With its fast-growing, upright habit, it can serve as a natural and attractive privacy screen or hedge in gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Wildlife Habitat: Monterrey Cypress 'Goldcrest' can offer shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a variety of growing conditions, showing resilience to coastal conditions and urban environments, which is beneficial for planting in challenging sites.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest due to its evergreen nature, maintaining color and structure throughout the seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' can be used as a natural fence or privacy screen due to its dense foliage and fast-growing habit.
- The aromatic foliage of Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' is sometimes used in potpourris or as a natural moth repellent in wardrobes and drawers.
- The wood from Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' can be used in woodworking or carpentry projects for items like birdhouses or small furniture due to its workability and pleasant scent.
- This plant can be utilized in theme gardens, such as a gold-themed garden because of its vibrant yellow-green foliage that provides color contrast.
- Bonsai enthusiasts may use Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' for creating bonsai trees, particularly appreciated for their ability to be shaped and their evergreen nature.
- During Christmas, potted Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' can serve as a living Christmas tree that can be decorated and later replanted.
- The fast-growing characteristic of Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' makes it suitable for use in windbreaks or to reduce noise pollution when planted in rows.
- Landscapers may use this plant to add vertical interest in garden designs because of its tall and narrow growth habit.
- The flexible branches of young Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' trees can be crafted into wreaths or other decorative items.
- In coastal themed gardens, Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' can be integral in creating a seaside aesthetic due to their origin and natural growth near coasts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lemon Cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lemon Cypress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Everlasting Life: Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest', commonly known as the Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest', is an evergreen tree, representing the eternal aspect of the soul and the idea of life that does not end with physical death.
- Protection: Historically, cypress trees have been associated with protection due to their height and longevity, suggesting their use as spiritual guardians.
- Resilience: The ability of the Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' to withstand coastal winds and salt sprays symbolizes strength and the capacity to endure difficult conditions.
- Hope and Healing: The vibrant green-yellow foliage of this plant brings brightness into gardens even during the winter months, symbolizing hope and the promise of renewal and recovery.
WaterMonterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' prefers evenly moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically might be once every week or two, depending on climate and indoor conditions. Use a watering can or hose to gently water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. The amount needed will vary with the size of the plant and the pot, but a general rule is to apply water until it runs out of the pot's drainage holes. In general, this might be about 1-2 gallons for a larger pot every watering session.
LightMonterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' thrives in full sunlight, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. The best spot for this plant would be a location where it’s exposed to an abundance of bright light but protected from very harsh midday sun that can scorch the foliage. If grown indoors, a south-facing window can provide sufficient light or supplemented with artificial plant lights if natural light is inadequate.
TemperatureThe Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as around 100°F. For optimal growth, temperatures between 60°F and 75°F are ideal. It should be protected from frost and extreme heat, which can damage the plant.
PruningPrune the Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's rarely necessary to prune more than once a year unless you are correcting damage or encouraging a particular shape. Always use sharp and clean pruning tools to make clean cuts and avoid tearing the branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil that's moderately fertile. A mix containing 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite or sand, and 1 part compost or loamy garden soil creates an ideal environment for growth. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 8.0.
RepottingMonterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure it has enough room for growth. However, older and larger trees may not require frequent repotting and can be refreshed with new topsoil annually instead.
Humidity & MistingMonterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is adaptable and can tolerate the drier air found in most home environments. Aim to maintain indoor humidity around 40-50% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and away from drafts.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleMonterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' begins its life as a seed, encapsulated within a small, hard cone which opens to release the seed once mature. Upon germination, a seedling emerges, characterized by a main shoot and juvenile foliage, which in this variety is a bright, golden-yellow color. As the seedling grows, it develops into a young tree with a conical shape and dense, scale-like leaves, retaining its vibrant color throughout. Over several years, the tree reaches maturity, with potential to grow up to 39 feet tall, where it may produce both male and female cones, with pollination typically facilitated by the wind. After fertilization, female cones develop seeds, perpetuating the life cycle when they mature and are released into the environment. The Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' can have a lifespan of several decades, provided it is grown in a suitable environment with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Lemon Cypress, formally known as Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically occurs in late summer to early fall, which provides sufficient time for the cuttings to establish roots before the dormant winter period. To propagate, a cutting of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from a healthy parent plant, ensuring at least two or three sets of leaves remain on the upper end. The lower leaves are removed to expose the nodes, as roots often develop more readily from these points. The cutting's base is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. A clear plastic bag or a small greenhouse can be used to cover the cutting, maintaining high humidity and consistent temperature. Rooting typically takes several weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
