Siberian Carpet Cypress

Microbiota decussata Cupressaceae

Growth habit

Dwarf Shrub

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Southeastern Siberia

Location

Comstock Knoll and Rhododendron Collection, Conifer Slope, Mullestein Winter Garden

Source of plant

Plantasia, Cornell Botanic Gardens, William J. Dress, Wayside Gardens, Northeast Regional Plant Introduction Station, Environmentals, Cornell Botanic Gardens

Description

Low spreading habit, not exceeding 2' in height; a 14 year old plant measures 12" in height, and 15' in width. Produces graceful, lacy, plumed branches clad in awl-shaped leaves of rich green, which turn an attractive copper color in winter when plants are grown in full sun, and revert to green in the spring. When grown in partial shade, the green foliar color is retained all year. Highly drought tolerant.

USDA Hardiness Zone

2

Special characteristics

growth habit, hardiness, notable texture, intermediate conifer