Leyland Cypress

Full Sun

Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Drought, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Well Drained

This tree provides negligible wildlife benefits, but it does provide winter cover for songbirds and game birds.

The Leyland Cypress tree is a natural hybrid that came about when a Monterey cypress accidentally crossbred with an Alaskacedar at England’s Leighton Hall in 1888. C. J. Leyland, brother-in-law of Leighton Hall’s owner at the time, planted seeds from the cones of an Alaskacedar that was fertilized by the Monterey cypress. This produced a tree that exhibited amazing growth rates, vigor and an attractive appearance.

The tree—named after the man who first planted its seed—has found wide popularity because of its legendary salt tolerance, thriving where many other trees will not grow. It has also spawned a wide variety of cultivars designed to enhance its natural beauty.