Kashmir Cypress (Cupressus cashmeriana): The Weeping Conifer of the Himalayas

Kashmir Cypress (Cupressus cashmeriana) is a breathtaking conifer native to the eastern Himalaya (Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh). Its long, pendulous, blue-green branchlets drape elegantly from upswept branches, creating a fountain-like form unlike any other cypress. A true aristocrat of the conifer world.

Graceful Habit

The flattened sprays of scale-like foliage hang in curtains up to 3–4 feet long, swaying in the slightest breeze. The color is a distinctive glaucous blue-green. In its native cloud forests, it reaches 150+ feet; in cultivation, 40–60 feet with a broad, weeping crown. Small, globular cones mature brown.

Taxonomy & Synonyms

• Family: Cupressaceae
• Genus: Cupressus
• Species: cashmeriana
• Also known as: Cashmeriana
• Synonyms: Cupressus darjeelingensis, C. himalaica var. darjeelingensis, C. pseudohimalaica, C. torulosa var. cashmeriana

Cultivation

Requires mild, maritime climates (zones 8–9)—cool summers, mild winters, high humidity. Full sun to part shade, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Intolerant of heat, drought, and drying winds. A spectacular specimen for coastal California, Pacific Northwest, UK, and similar climates. Rare in the nursery trade.