A classic evergreen tree that has been in cultivation since the Renaissance. The fastigiate form we are accustomed to seeing in the garden does not occur in the wild. Wild forms have a wider, looser, spreading form. Many varieties are in cultivation.  

Native Range: Southern Europe and Western Asia

Horticultural use: Screen or Hedged

Ethnobotanical Info / Tree

Tree Shape: Columnar
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Maximum Tree Height: 70 feet
Canopy Width: 10-20feet
Growth Rate: ~6-12in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Whorled and Simple
Leaf Shape: Scale-like
Leaf Color: Dark Green
Fall Color: No
Cones: Fragrant
Cone Size and Color: Medium Brown Cone
Pollen time: Fall
Fruit Value: Wildlife use it
Bark Color: Dark Gray or Light Gray
Bark Texture: Furrowed and Smooth
Litter Type: Dry Fruit

Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7′
Water Use Rating: Medium
Sunset Climate Zone: 4 – 24, H1 and H2
Soil Texture: Loam, Sand or Clay
Soil pH: Very Acidic to Very Alkaline
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Schoolyard Trees: No
Shade Tolerance: No

Branch Strength: Medium
Root Damage Potential: Moderate
Potential health issues: None Known
Biogenic Emissions: Low
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts
Disease and Pest Susceptibility: Gummosis, Phytophthora, Root Rot, Armillaria and Spider Mites
Utility Friendly: No