WSU Clark County Extension
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Weeping Alaska Cedar

Scientific name: Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’
Taxonomy
Family:Cupressaceae
Type:Coniferous trees
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 7
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:35 ft
Width:12 ft
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description The nursery trade in the Pacific Northwest sells the Weeping Alaska Cedar as a smaller variant of the native Alask Yellow Cedar.

  Morphology:
While Alaska Yellow Cedar is a native spieces which grows wild in Alaska where it can grow to 60’-90’ tall (and 30’ wide). The cultivar ‘Pendula’ is a slender, pyramidal, strongly weeping form that only grows to 35’ tall and 12 wide over its lifespan. It is an excellent specimen tree that features a nodding central leader with widely-spaced ascending to arching to horizontal branches. From these limbs, branchlets droop. The foliage on these branchlets consists of flattened sprays with scale-like blue-green leaves. If one brushes up against the foliage or crushes it, an unpleasant odor is released.

Mature trees features1/2” diameter cones.

  Adaptation:
This cultivar is best adapted to the areas west of the Cascades where summers are mild and winters are wet. It should be protected from drying southwest winds. It does best where the soil is acidic. To ensure best growth give this plant full sun.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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