Golden Monterey Cypress Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lutea'
ABOUT
The plant known as the 'Lutea' is a cultivar of the Monterey cypress. It is noted for its distinctive foliage, which showcases a bright, golden-yellow color that brings a warm glow to the landscape. The leaves are scale-like, closely hugging the plant’s branches, which gives them a textured, somewhat feathery appearance. As the 'Lutea' matures, the foliage may take on a more muted, greenish-yellow hue. This cultivar forms a conical or pyramid-like shape, making it an attractive choice for a focal point in gardens. The branches are dense and grow in a somewhat horizontal fashion, sometimes with a slight upward sweep, giving the plant a sturdy and full-bodied look. The 'Lutea' is also known for its bark, which is fibrous and stringy in texture, providing an interesting visual contrast to the softer appearance of the foliage. The bark starts with a reddish-brown color that weathers to a more grayish hue over time. During the reproductive period, the 'Lutea' bears seed cones that are relatively small and inconspicuous, blending in with the foliage. These cones initially have a green color, which gradually matures to a brownish tone as they harden. Overall, the 'Lutea' is admired for its striking golden-yellow foliage and sculptural form that commands attention in landscaping without overwhelming it with size. It is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings to add beauty and elegance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae.
Synonyms
Golden Monterey Cypress, Lemon Cypress, Goldcrest Monterey Cypress, Yellow Cypress.
Common names
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lutea'.
ToxicityTo humans
Monterey Cypress 'Lutea' generally isn't considered toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from ingesting the plant, as it is not commonly known to be poisonous. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to the potential for allergic reactions or unforeseen toxicities.
To pets
Monterey Cypress 'Lutea' is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that pets, such as dogs or cats, will experience poisoning symptoms after ingesting this plant. As with humans, it's always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or unexpected allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Yellow-green
Height
40 feet (12 meters)
Spread
20 feet (6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
California
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Golden Monterey cypress adds visual interest to landscapes with its distinctive golden-yellow foliage and unique conical shape.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides habitat and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Windbreak: Can be used as a windbreak to protect gardens and homes from strong winds.
- Privacy Screen: Grows densely, making it an effective privacy screen or hedge.
- Shade Provision: Offers shade in garden areas and reduces local temperature.
- Soil Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion with its root system, especially on slopes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water supplies.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafts: The yellowish wood of the Monterey Cypress can be used for crafting small decorative objects or even jewelry pieces due to its unique color and fine grain.
- Sound barriers: These trees can be planted in rows to serve as sound barriers, owing to their dense foliage and potential to grow to substantial heights.
- Windbreaks: The Monterey Cypress is also planted in coastal areas to act as windbreaks, protecting smaller plants and reducing soil erosion with its thick branches.
- Shelter for wildlife: The dense canopy provides nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals within a garden or natural setting.
- Christmas trees: They can be cultivated and pruned into the shape of Christmas trees for holiday decoration, thanks to their conical growth habit.
- Bonsai: With proper training and care, the Monterey Cypress can be grown as a bonsai, adding aesthetic value to indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Hedge: They can be trimmed and maintained as hedges for privacy screens or to delineate boundaries in gardens.
- Topiary art: Gardeners may shape Monterey Cypress into various topiary forms, making it a dynamic feature in ornamental gardens.
- Erosion control: On slopes or areas prone to erosion, their roots help stabilize the soil, thereby mitigating the erosion process.
- Photography: With its striking form and color, the Monterey Cypress serves as an ideal subject for landscape and nature photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Monterey Cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Monterey Cypress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lutea', commonly known as the Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest', is known for its resilience and ability to withstand harsh coastal conditions, symbolizing endurance and strength in adversity.
- Longevity: As a species of cypress, it is often associated with long life, representing immortality and the eternal aspect of the soul.
- Protection: Cypress trees are frequently planted in cemeteries and considered guardians of the afterlife, embodying a sense of protection and safeguarding.
WaterThe Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' prefers deep and infrequent watering to encourage a strong root system. During the growing season, it should be watered once every 7 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions, with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering for smaller trees. Larger established trees will require more water but less frequently, assuming they're planted in well-draining soil. Soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. Adjustments must be made during rainier periods or drought.
LightThe Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' thrives in full sunlight, so it should be planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is in an unobstructed area where it can benefit from the full intensity of the sun without shade blocking its light source.
TemperatureMonterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, ideally growing in conditions between 40°F and 90°F. It can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to about 20°F, but temperatures below this may cause damage to the plant. The ideal growing range ensures the healthiest growth and vitality for the tree.
PruningPruning the Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' is often done to maintain the desired shape and size or to remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It should be pruned sparingly, and only as needed, to preserve its natural shape and density.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lutea') thrives best in a well-draining soil mix comprising equal parts loam, peat, and sand to ensure good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Lemon Cypress is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingLemon Cypress trees do not need to be repotted often; they can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current container. It's important to refresh the soil during repotting to ensure healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Lemon Cypress prefers a moderate humidity level, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity levels commonly found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure drainage, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleMonterey Cypress 'Lutea' begins its life cycle with the germination of seeds which generally occur in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature. Seedlings emerge and go through a juvenile phase, growing rapidly if conditions are suitable, which includes plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. As saplings mature, they develop a strong woody trunk and a distinctive conical shape characteristic of the species, with the 'Lutea' cultivar developing yellowish-green foliage. After reaching maturity, which can take several years, the tree starts the reproductive phase, producing male and female cones; the male cones release pollen, which is carried by wind to the female cones. Fertilized female cones then develop seeds over time, which upon maturity, fall to the ground or are dispersed by wildlife, thus continuing the cycle. As the Monterey Cypress 'Lutea' is long-lived, this reproductive cycle can repeat annually for many decades, while the tree itself can live for upwards of 100 years in optimal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Monterey Cypress 'Lutea', Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lutea', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is usually done in late summer to early fall. Collect semi-hardwood cuttings that are 6 to 8 inches long, cutting just below a node, and remove the lower third of the foliage. Dip the cutting end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where roots will form. Place the cuttings in a warm, humid environment with indirect light, using a misting system if available. Rooting typically occurs within a few months, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into their permanent locations.
