In 2021, a molecular study by Stull et al. This was disputed, as the tree would compose a monophyletic subgenus, but the Gymnosperm Database suggested that it could comprise a monotypic genus as Callitropsis nootkatensis. performed a more detailed molecular analysis and placed Nootka cypress back in Cupressus. The name Xanthocyparis has now been proposed for conservation, and the 2011 International Botanical Congress followed that recommendation. therefore synonymised Xanthocyparis with Callitropsis, the correct name for these species under the ICBN when treated in a distinct genus. confirmed this relationship with further evidence and pointed out that an earlier nomenclatural combination in the genus Callitropsis existed, as Callitropsis nootkatensis (D.Don) Oerst., published in 1864 but overlooked or ignored by other subsequent authors. (2002) transferred it to a new genus Xanthocyparis, together with the newly discovered Vietnamese golden cypress Xanthocyparis vietnamensis this species is remarkably similar to Nootka cypress and the treatment has many arguments in its favour, as while they are not related to Chamaecyparis, neither do they fit fully in Cupressus despite the many similarities. Genetic evidence, published by Gadek et al., strongly supported its return to Cupressus and exclusion from Chamaecyparis. However, this placement does not fit with the morphology and phenology of the cones, which are far more like Cupressus, maturing in two years rather than one. Taxonomy įirst described in the genus Cupressus as Cupressus nootkatensis in 1824, it was transferred to Chamaecyparis in 1841 on the basis of its foliage being in flattened sprays, as in other Chamaecyparis, but unlike most (though not all) other Cupressus species. nootkatensis than the Old World clade Cupressus sensu stricto. Ĭupressus nootkatensis is one of the parents of the hybrid Leyland cypress the other parent, Monterey cypress, is also in the genus Cupressus, but in the North American Hesperocyparis clade, which has generally been found to be phylogenetically closer to C. The Caren Range on the west coast of British Columbia is home to the oldest Nootka cypress specimens in the world, with one specimen found to be 1,834 years old some specimens may be over 3,000 years old. The winged seeds are small, thus dispersing at a close range additionally, only a small percentage is viable. The cones, maturing biannually, have 4 (occasionally 6) scales, and resemble the cones of Cupressus lusitanica (another species which can show foliage in flat sprays), except being somewhat smaller, typically 8–14 mm ( 5⁄ 16– 9⁄ 16 in) in diameter each scale has a pointed triangular bract about 1.5–2 mm long, again similar to other Cupressus and unlike the crescent-shaped, non-pointed bract on the scales of Chamaecyparis cones.

The branches are commonly pendulous, with foliage in flat sprays and dark green scale-leaves measuring 3–5 millimeters ( 1⁄ 8– 3⁄ 16 in) long. The bark is thin, smooth and purplish when young, turning flaky and gray. The specific epithet 'nootkatensis' is derived from its discovery by Europeans on the lands of a First Nation of Canada, those lands of the Nuu-chah-nulth people of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, who were formerly referred to as the Nootka.Ĭallitropsis nootkatensis is an evergreen tree growing up to 40 meters (131 ft) tall, exceptionally 60 m (200 ft), with diameters up to 3.4 to 4 m (11 to 13 ft).

This species goes by many common names including: Nootka cypress, yellow cypress, Alaska cypress, Nootka cedar, yellow cedar, Alaska cedar, and Alaska yellow cedar. Xanthocyparis nootkatensis) is a species of trees in the cypress family native to the coastal regions of northwestern North America. Xanthocyparis nootkatensis (D.Don) Farjon & D.K.HarderĬallitropsis nootkatensis, formerly known as Cupressus nootkatensis ( syn.Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (D.Don) Spach.Callitropsis nootkatensis (D.Don) Oerst.

Nootka tree oil