The Italian Cypress Bonsai Tree, scientific name Cupressus sempervirens, is a pyramidal conifer with very narrow dark green foliage. This evergreen is almost a pencil-shaped tree, hence one of the common names Pencil Pine.
In the cooler climates, it produces tiny elongated brown cones that are usually rare in bonsai. Great for indoors. It is drought-tolerant and easy to maintain.
Additional Information
Family: Cupressaceae
Scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens
Common Names: Mediterranean Cypress, Italian Cypress, Tuscan Cypress, Graveyard Cypress, Pencil Pine.
Origin: native to the Eastern Mediterranean including areas of Libya, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iran.
Appearance: It is an evergreen with narrow dense foliage. Leaves are dark green needle-like. and attractive bright, golden-yellow new growth that retains its color throughout the season.
Flowering: It produces inconspicuous flowers that are followed by small rounded brown cones.
Outdoor/Indoor Use: Both.
Light Requirements: Prefers full sun.
Water Requirements: Being native to the Mediterranean areas, it is a very drought-tolerant tree. Requires regular watering to establish. Once the tree is established, water it once a week.
Hardiness: Grows best in the USDA Zones 8-10. Needs to be protected from cold temperatures below 20F.
Propagation: By seeds or cuttings.
