What: One of the most eye-catching and beautiful of the weeping conifers, weeping Alaskan yellow cedar makes a stately and graceful accent in the landscape. A strong and upright trunk rises up with sweeping and arched side branches hanging with curtains of dark-green foliage. Once established, this fine selection of a native tree is drought tolerant and easy to grow. It’s name, Cupressus nootkatensis “Pendula,” is synonymous with Chamaecyparis nootkatensis “Pendula.”
Where: This narrow evergreen grows best in full sun but tolerates light and open shade. It adapts to a variety of soils, from sandy sites to clay, provided the location is well-drained.
Size: “Pendula” grows to be 35 feet tall and with a crown that is 10 feet wide when mature.
Care: Once established, weeping Alaskan yellow cedar is very drought tolerant, requiring little to no summer watering even during prolonged droughts. Occasionally a side branch will reach out from the trunk. This often adds interest to the overall shape, but if width is a concern, it can be removed where it joins the main trunk. Pruning is best done in the winter.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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