Pencil Cedar, Pencil Pine, Italian Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Graveyard Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens, commonly known as Pencil Pine or Tuscan Cypress, is a wonderfully narrow conifer that is commonly planted across the Mediterranean.

In Tuscany, the tree is a common sight, and should you ever visit the region, its architectural presence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, showcasing the true beauty of this magnificent tree.

Interestingly, this conifer is not native to Italy; it has simply been widely cultivated there for a very long time. This tree is naturalised mainly in Western Turkey. The wood of the Pencil Pine is fragranced and in the past was used for lining drawers to keep clothing smelling sweet; indeed, the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican City, Rome, are also made of Italian Cypress wood. In cosmetics, this tree is used as an astringent, anti-seborrhoeic, anti-ageing, and as a fragrance.

Cupressus sempervirens does best on nutrient-rich, deep soil and will not perform to its best ability in the UK if planted in exposed or cold areas, truly preferring the hot, arid summers of central Europe. 

However, urban gardens, courtyards, and very formal, sheltered planting schemes will maximise the appeal of this architectural beauty in the UK.

Mature Height: 7-12m

Common names

Pencil Cedar, Pencil Pine, Italian Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Graveyard Cypress

Height of tree

7-12m

Tree type

Evergreen

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Narrow

Foliage Colour

Green

Information Flags

Urban

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Cupressus