Leyland Cypress
Cupressus × leylandii · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen, Privacy Screen, Conifer
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Leighton Green' or 'Haggerston Grey'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10
About This Tree
A fast-growing, evergreen coniferous tree with a dense, columnar to pyramidal habit. It features flattened, scale-like foliage and often serves as a living fence or privacy screen due to its rapid growth and height.
Leaf Characteristics
Dark green or blue-green, scale-like needles arranged in flattened sprays. Leaves are about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long and remain green throughout all seasons.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown to grey-brown, thin, and fibrous or shredded. It becomes more furrowed and scaly as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
United Kingdom (Hybrid); widely adapted to temperate climates
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; flowers/cones appear in late winter to early spring
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6+ hours); requires moderate watering during establishment but is relatively drought-tolerant once mature; prefers well-drained soil.
Mature Size
60–70 feet in height with a spread of 15–25 feet; fast growth rate (up to 3-4 feet per year).
Special Characteristics
Extremely fast growth speed, salt-spray tolerance, and wind resistance; commonly used for windbreaks and screening.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides excellent year-round nesting sites and dense cover for songbirds and small mammals; some birds consume the seeds from the small woody cones.