Leyland cypress (LEC) - Forest Research

Native range

A hybrid between Monterey and Nootka cypresses.

Provenance Choice

There are a number of clones used in horticulture, particularly for hedging. The clone ‘Leighton Green’ has been the most widely used in forestry trials in Britain.

Site Requirements

Leyland cypress is cold hardy throughout Britain, is not frost sensitive and shows very rapid early growth on a wide range of soils of poor to medium fertility. It is not suited to peats or soils of very poor nutrient status, but appears to grow on alkaline soils. The rapid early growth and moderate tolerance of exposure explains its popularity for hedging, but it is not suited to exposed upland sites, where it is also prone to snow breakage. It is probably best suited to more sheltered sites in western and southern Britain with >800 mm rainfall.

Pests and Pathogens

Seiridium canker (Coryneum cardinale) causes scattered twig and branch death on affected trees. Cypress aphid (Cinara cupressivora) also causes similar symptoms of foliage browning, although the causal agent is very different.

Leyland cypress is also considered highly susceptible to Armillaria root rot (honey fungus) and Phytophthora root rot (particularly P. cinnamomi). Infection by either pathogen can lead to severe dieback or death.

Use

The timber is naturally semi-durable. This is a species which could find an expanded role with climate warming, particularly in western Britain and on other sites with adequate soil moisture.

Leyland cypress is categorised as a Secondary tree species. These are species that have been planted on a much smaller scale than the principal species but are reasonably well understood and have demonstrated their suitability for forestry in terms of stem form, growth rate and hardiness under current conditions and so have potential for wider use in future.