Cupressus sempervirens
| Cupressus sempervirens | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 98' |
| Width: | 16' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Mid Winter-Late Winter |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Cupressus sempervirens (common name: italian cypress)
Propagation: Seed - sow late winter in a cold frame and only just cover the seed[1]. Three weeks cold stratification can improve germination rates[1]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 20°c. The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can store for several years[2].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, September in a frost-proof frame[3]. April/May is the best time to take cuttings[2].
Cultivation: Thrives in a deep well-drained loamy or peaty soil[4]. Established plants are very tolerant of hot dry conditions and drought[5]. Tolerates poor sandy soils[5] but is then more subject to damage by white-scale insects in a succession of dry seasons[4]. Plants are not very happy when growing on chalky soils but they thrive on limestone[6]. Requires a sunny position[5].
This species is somewhat tender in Britain especially when young and at least in the north of the country[5], it grows best in the south and the west[4]. Trees are probably much hardier than has been supposed. No trees were reported as killed by the very severe winter of 1962 - 3, even some trees east of Edinburgh survived without damage. A healthy tree at Cambridge botanical gardens was 6 metres tall in 1989[K].
Growth can be quite vigorous, especially in young trees, with many averaging 60cm a year[7]. Growth slows and almost comes to a halt when the tree is 12 - 15 metres tall[7]. New growth takes place from mid-May to mid-October[7].
Plants are subject to injury by the wind[3][4].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[6].
The seed takes two summers to mature[8]. Mature cones can remain unopened on the tree for a number of years[5]. 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[6].
Plants are resentful of root disturbance, any transplanting should be done in April or September when the roots are in active growth[4][5].
A very variable plant[4].
Range: S. Europe to W. Asia.
Habitat: Rocky mountainous areas, usually near the coast, in S. Europe[9][10].
Medicinal: The cones and young branches are anthelmintic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic and vasoconstrictive[11][12][13]. They are harvested in late winter and early spring, then dried for later use[11]. Taken internally, it is used in the treatment of whooping cough, the spitting up of blood, spasmodic coughs, colds, flu and sore throats[14]. 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[14]. A foot bath of the cones is used to cleanse the feet and counter excessive sweating[14]. The extracted essential oil should not be taken internally without professional guidance[14].
A resin is obtained from the tree by making incisions in the trunk[11]. This has a vulnerary action on slow-healing wounds and also encourages whitlows to come to a head[11].
An essential oil from the leaves and cones is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Astringent'[15].
Usage: An essential oil is distilled from the shoots. It is used in perfumery and soap making[3][12][16]. The leaves contain about 2% essential oil whilst the wood contains about 2.5%[13].
An infusion of the wood is used in footbaths to combat perspiration of the feet[11].
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[3][11][4][10].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Monoecious
Known Hazards: Poisonous[17]. No more details.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Rushforth, Keith. Conifers. Batsford, 1991.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Mitchell, Alan. Conifers in the British Isles. Stationery Office Books, 1975.
- ↑ Vines, Robert. Trees of North Texas. University of Texas Press, 1982.
- ↑ Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of Greece and the Balkans. Oxford University Press, 1980.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press, 1987.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Westwood, Christine. Aromatherapy - A Guide for Home Use. Amberwood Publishing, 1993.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Cooper, Marion. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. The Stationery Office, 1984.