Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest': The Lemon-Scented Golden Column

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• Family:	Cupressaceae (koo-press-AY-see-ee) (Info)
  Genus:	Cupressus (koo-PRESS-us) (Info)
  Species:	macrocarpa (ma-kro-KAR-pa) (Info)
  Cultivar:	Goldcrest
  Additional cultivar information:	(aka Golden Crest, Lemon Yellow)

Overview

The Monterey Cypress 'Goldcrest' (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest', syn. 'Golden Crest', 'Lemon Yellow') is a spectacular, fast-growing, columnar cultivar of the iconic California coastal cypress. It is prized for its **brilliant, year-round golden-yellow foliage** that emits a **strong, refreshing lemon scent when brushed or crushed**—a sensory delight in the garden.

Foliage, Form & Fragrance

The foliage consists of tiny, scale-like leaves in flattened sprays, **intense chartreuse to golden-yellow**, holding color well in full sun (may green slightly in deep shade or winter cold). The habit is **narrow, columnar to conical**, dense and symmetrical, reaching 15–30 feet tall but only 3–6 feet wide in 10–15 years. The lemon fragrance is potent and released readily—a feature that deters deer browsing.

Cones & Bark

Small, spherical cones (1 inch) mature from green to brown. Bark is reddish-brown, fibrous, peeling in strips on older trunks.

Culture & Uses

USDA Zones 7–10 (best in coastal cool-summer climates; struggles in hot, humid summers). **Full sun, well-drained soil, moderate water** (drought-tolerant once established). **Excellent salt and wind tolerance**—ideal for coastal gardens. Uses: **vertical accent, narrow screen, hedge, topiary, container specimen**. Fast growth (1–2 ft/yr). Prune lightly to shape; avoid cutting into old wood (no buds). A luminous, fragrant, deer-resistant column for sunny, well-drained sites.