Cupressus sempervirens is native to the eastern Mediterranean regions, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and for forestry in many other temperate and subtropical regions.
Cupressus sempervirens is a large evergreen tree that can reach a height of 20-30 meters, but under optimal conditions, it can exceed 30 meters. It has a very dense columnar or pyramidal crown, with branches arranged evenly along the trunk. The leaves are scale-like and dark green, densely packed along the branches, giving the tree a compact and solid appearance.
Cupressus sempervirens is a monoecious plant, with male and female cones present on the same tree. The male cones are small, cylindrical, and yellow, while the female cones are larger, oval, and green, turning brownish-gray when mature. The female cones contain numerous small, winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Cupressus sempervirens prefers Mediterranean climates, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It grows well in well-drained soils, ranging from sandy to clayey. It is drought-resistant and tolerates arid conditions well once established. It prefers sunny locations but can also tolerate partial shade.
Cupressus sempervirens is highly valued for its elegant, columnar shape, making it ideal for creating hedges, barriers, and as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks. Its distinctive form makes it a common choice for the beautification of avenues and streets. The wood of Cupressus sempervirens is durable, aromatic, and weather-resistant, and is used in carpentry, construction, and furniture making. In some cultures, it is associated with symbolic meanings of immortality and eternal life, and it is often planted in cemeteries and places of worship.
