1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native hybrid. A cross between Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and Nootka cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis). First raised in Britain in the mid-19th century.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Evergreen – retains foliage year-round.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Scale-like, dark green (sometimes golden in cultivars), tightly pressed to twigs, forming dense sprays.
Bark: Reddish-brown, fibrous, peeling in strips.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Inconspicuous male and female cones on same tree. Seed cones spherical, 1–2 cm across, with 6–8 scales. Rarely noticed in clipped hedges.
Overall shape: Very fast-growing, tall, dense, conical to columnar tree. As a hedge, forms a solid, impenetrable screen if regularly clipped.
4. Typical Size
Up to 25–30 m tall if left uncut; spread 6–8 m. Growth rate can exceed 1 m per year in early years.
5. Habitat & Range
Not naturally occurring in the wild – exists only as a cultivated hybrid. Extremely common in UK gardens, parks, and landscapes as hedging.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Very fast growth.
Dense, dark green foliage.
Commonly seen as tall clipped hedges.
Difficult to cut back once overgrown, as it does not regrow from old wood.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: New bright green growth flush.
Summer: Dense green canopy continues.
Autumn: Remains evergreen.
Winter: Provides solid cover when many trees are bare.
8. Human Uses
Widely used as hedging and shelterbelts.
Provides quick privacy screening in gardens.
Timber of little commercial value compared with slower-growing conifers.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides nesting habitat and cover for birds.
Shelter for small mammals.
Lower in biodiversity value compared with native broadleaves.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Infamous in Britain for neighbour disputes – fast growth and height often cause legal conflicts over light and boundaries.
The High Hedges Act 2005 in England and Wales was partly introduced to deal with problems caused by overgrown Leylandii hedges.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Tolerates most soils – clay, loam, sand – provided they are well-drained. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions.
Light: Best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly until established; reasonably drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: 60–100 cm apart for hedging; 4–6 m for specimen trees.
Aftercare: Mulch base to conserve moisture. Clip hedges 1–2 times a year to keep dense and manageable. Avoid cutting back into old brown wood, as it does not regenerate.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Useful for quick hedging and noise screens, but can cause problems if not maintained.
Garden: Good for large gardens if clipped regularly; unsuitable for small gardens or where hedge height is left unchecked.