Cypress(Chamaecyparis) andthuja , or thuja, are two popular species of conifers, often used for planting in gardens.Cypress and thuja are similar in appearancebut have different growing requirements. Seehow the cypress differs from the thujaWe will discuss 5 features that will help you quickly recognize these two species. We will also suggestwhich is better for a hedge - cypress or thuja !
1. The apex of the cypress and thuja
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
Cyprysik and thuja - 5 basic differences
1. Slice
The most noticeabledifference between cypress trees and thujas is the appearance of their tops . In cypress trees the tops are characteristically bent and hanging, while in the case of cypresses the tops are always straight (Fig. 1).
Another difference is the way the twigs grow . Cypress twigs grow upwards at a sharp angle, and their tips characteristically slightly overhang. The twigs usually grow almost horizontally.
You can also see the differencesin the general cypress room and thuj . Cypresses form slightly wider, conical crowns. Thu's crowns are narrower and more regular.
2. Twigs and scales
The appearance of the sprigs of cypresses and thuja is very similar. Singlesprigs of cypresses, however, are denser than those of tui . The thuja branches are also clearly flattened.
2. Cypress and thuja shoots
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
A clearly visible difference is the appearance of the scalesThujas scales are arranged flat on the shoots, while the cypress scales are arranged round and are definitely finer In addition, a clear pattern is visible on the lower side of the cypress branches in the shape of the letter X, composed of a line of white waxy coating.
3. Scale color
Cypresses and thuja with a different shade of scalesIn cypresses, scales very often appear in a steel-blue color. Such coloring of the scales does not occur. Their scales are usually dark green or olive green. Some varieties of cypress and thuja have scales in a similar yellow-green color, then the identification of the species is facilitated by the arrangement of the scales on the twigs or the appearance of the top.
3. The scales of the cypress (on the left) and the thuja (on the right)
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
4. Fruit
Cypresses and thujas can be easily distinguished by their fruits (cones) . The thujas produce oblong cones, usually composed of 3-5 pairs of scales, and the cypress cones are round, made of 6-12 scales.
5. Smell
Anotherfeature that can help distinguish the cypress from the thuja is the smell of . Cypress sprigs, when rubbed, emit a slightly citrusy, balsamic aroma. The smell of thuja twigs is resinous, a bit reminiscent of the smell of spruce twigs.
43. Cypress fruits (on the left) and thuja (on the right)
Fig. © Agnieszka Lach
Cypress or thuja - which is better for a hedge?
Both cypresses and thuja can be used as a hedge. However, it should be remembered that cypress trees have higher cultivation requirements and will not grow well everywhere.
Cypresses need a quiet place, sheltered from frosty winds and moderately moist soil.Their twigs are often damaged by frost. Cypress trees grow best in the western part of Poland. In other parts of the country, they often freeze during the winters.
They are best for creating cypress hedges :
- Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) cultivar 'Columnaris', as well as cultivars 'Alumii' and 'Alumigold'
- pea cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)
Cypress rows are led in the form of loose, unformed hedgesTo thicken the plants, cut their hangers. Only a few years old cypresses are suitable for haircutting, older ones are more difficult to regenerate after severe trimming. Therefore, if we want a dense, nicely formed hedge, we should choose thuja, or thuja.
Thuja occidentalis, in particular Thuja occidentalis, tolerate frost better and freeze less often, so they can be cultivated throughout the country.They also withstand urban conditions better than cypress trees.However, they are more susceptible to drought than cypress trees and require regular irrigation in sandy soils in summerThey also suffer from physiological drought more often. They should be grown in moist and fertile soils.
The most commonly planted thuja for hedges areWestern thuja, especially the cultivars 'Szmaragd' and 'Brabant'Thuja 'Smaragd' grows quickly and does not require cutting. Importantly, its twigs do not turn brown in winter, as in some other varieties of the thuja. Thuja 'Brabant' grows even faster and tolerates pruning, thanks to which it creates a dense, elegant hedge.Among other thuja recommended for hedges , the great thuja (Thuja plicata) 'Kórnik' and the eastern thuja (Thuja occidentalis) 'Columna' can be distinguished. However, they are more sensitive to low temperatures than the Western Arborvitae and therefore recommended primarily for cultivation in western Poland.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
