Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
Leyland cypress (x Cuprocyparis leylandii) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cupressaceae family. It grows 12–20 m (39–66 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Leyland cypress in your garden →
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Leyland cypress at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 12–20 m (39–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Leyland cypress toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: foliage, sap
Sap can irritate skin; ingestion toxicity is not well established.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Leyland cypress
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Leyland cypress
- How far apart should I plant Leyland cypress?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Leyland cypress need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Leyland cypress need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Leyland cypress?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- Is Leyland cypress poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Sap can irritate skin; ingestion toxicity is not well established.
- What grows well with Leyland cypress?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Leyland cypress. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Very fast growing screen; highly flammable and easily outgrows small gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis
- Coast redwood Sequoia sempervirens