Arizona Cypress 'Carolina Sapphire': Silver-Blue Foliage & Red Bark

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• Family:	Cupressaceae (koo-press-AY-see-ee) (Info)
  Genus:	Cupressus (koo-PRESS-us) (Info)
  Species:	glabra (GLAY-bruh) (Info)
  Cultivar:	Carolina Sapphire
  Synonym:	Cupressus arizonica var. glabra

Overview

Arizona Cypress 'Carolina Sapphire' (Cupressus glabra 'Carolina Sapphire', syn. C. arizonica var. glabra) is a **superior cultivar of the Smooth Arizona Cypress**, selected for its **intense, shimmering silver-blue (glaucous) foliage, rapid growth, and attractive reddish bark**. It brings a cool, luminous presence to hot, dry landscapes (Zones 7–10).

Foliage, Bark & Form

The **scale-like foliage is a brilliant, frosty silver-blue**—among the bluest of all conifers—held in dense, flattened sprays. It **holds color year-round** without bronzing. The bark is **exfoliating, reddish-brown to cherry-red**, revealing smooth, gray-green patches—a striking contrast to the foliage. The habit is **pyramidal to conical, dense and symmetrical**, 30–50 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide.

Cones & Adaptability

Small, spherical cones (1 inch) persist on the tree. **Exceptionally heat and drought tolerant**; thrives in alkaline, rocky, poor soils. **Full sun; well-drained soil essential.** Fast growth (2–3 ft/yr). Resistant to cypress canker (a major issue for Leyland Cypress in the Southeast).

Uses & Comparison

Ideal as a **specimen, screen, windbreak, or Christmas tree**. **Superior to Leyland Cypress in heat, drought, and disease resistance** for the South and Southwest. The silver-blue foliage cools the landscape visually. A top-performing, low-maintenance conifer for difficult hot, dry sites.