| Callitropsis nootkatensis | |
|---|---|
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| Foliage and green cone,Mount Rainier National Park | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Gymnospermae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Cupressales |
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Genus: | Callitropsis Oerst. |
| Species: | C. nootkatensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Callitropsis nootkatensis (D.Don) Oerst. | |
 | |
| Natural range ofCallitropsis nootkatensis | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
| |
Callitropsis nootkatensis, formerly known asCupressus nootkatensis (syn.Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), is a species of tree in thecypress family native to the coastal regions ofnorthwestern North America. This species goes by many common names including:Nootka cypress,yellow cypress,Alaska cypress,Nootka cedar,yellow cedar,Alaska cedar, andAlaska yellow cedar. The specific epithetnootkatensis is derived from the species being from the area ofNootka Sound on the west coast ofVancouver Island,Canada. Both locations are named for the older European name Nootka, given theNuu-chah-nulthFirst Nation.
Callitropsis nootkatensis is anevergreenconifer growing up to 40 meters (131 ft) tall, exceptionally 60 m (200 ft), with diameters up to 3.4 to 4 m (11 to 13 ft). Thebark is thin, smooth and purplish when young, turning flaky and gray.[4] The branches are commonly pendulous, with foliage in flat sprays and dark green scale-leaves measuring 3–5 millimeters (1⁄8–3⁄16 in) long. Thecones, maturing biannually, have 4 (occasionally 6) scales, and resemble the cones ofCupressus lusitanica (another species which can show foliage in flat sprays), except being somewhat smaller, typically8–14 mm (5⁄16–9⁄16 in) in diameter;[4] each scale has a pointed triangular bract about 1.5–2 mm long, again similar to otherCupressus and unlike the crescent-shaped, non-pointed bract on the scales ofChamaecyparis cones. The winged seeds are small, thus dispersing at a close range; additionally, only a small percentage is viable.[4]
TheCaren Range on the west coast of British Columbia is home to the oldest Nootka cypress specimens in the world, with one specimen found to be 1,834 years old;[5] some specimens may be over 3,000 years old.[6][7][8]
Callitropsis nootkatensis is one of the parents of thehybridLeyland cypress; the other parent,Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa), was also considered to be in the genusCupressus, but in the North AmericanHesperocyparis clade, which has generally been found to be phylogenetically closer toC. nootkatensis than theOld World cladeCupressussensu stricto.[9]
First described in the genusCupressus asCupressus nootkatensis in 1824 based on a specimen collected "ad Sinum Nootka dictum", which translates to "said Bay of Nootka".[10] It was transferred toChamaecyparis in 1841 on the basis of its foliage being in flattened sprays, as in otherChamaecyparis, but unlike most (though not all) otherCupressus species. However, this placement does not fit with the morphology and phenology of the cones, which are far more likeCupressus, maturing in two years rather than one. Genetic evidence, published by Gadek et al.,[11] strongly supported its return toCupressus and exclusion fromChamaecyparis.
Farjonet al. (2002) transferred it to a new genusXanthocyparis, together with the newly discoveredVietnamese golden cypress (Xanthocyparis vietnamensis); this species is remarkably similar to Nootka cypress and the treatment has many arguments in its favour, as while they are not related toChamaecyparis, neither do they fit fully inCupressus despite the many similarities.Little et al.[12][13] confirmed this relationship with further evidence and pointed out that an earlier nomenclatural combination in the genusCallitropsis existed, asCallitropsis nootkatensis (D.Don) Oerst., published in 1864 but overlooked or ignored by other subsequent authors. Little et al.[13] therefore synonymisedXanthocyparis withCallitropsis, the correct name for these species under theICBN when treated in a distinct genus. The nameXanthocyparis has now been proposed for conservation, and the 2011International Botanical Congress followed that recommendation.[14]
In 2010, Mao et al. performed a more detailed molecular analysis and placed Nootka cypress back inCupressus.[9][15] This was disputed, as the tree would compose a monophyletic subgenus, but theGymnosperm Database suggested that it could comprise a monotypic genus asCallitropsis nootkatensis.[16]In 2021, a molecular study by Stull et al. found the species to indeed belong to the distinct genusCallitropsis and recovered this as the sister genus toHesperocyparis. The clade comprising both was found to be sister toXanthocyparis (containing only the Vietnamese golden cypress), and the clade containing the three genera was found to be sister to a clade containingJuniperus andCupressus sensu stricto.[17]
The species grows in moist areas of coastal mountains of thePacific Northwest, including those of theCascades,[4] from theKenai Peninsula inAlaska to theKlamath Mountains in northernmostCalifornia.[18][19] It can be found at elevations higher than those reached byThuja plicata (western redcedar), sometimes in akrummholz form, and even occupying very rocky sites (near the California-Oregon border).[4] It can be found at elevations of 600 to 750 m (1,970 to 2,460 ft) inSoutheast Alaska and between 750 and 2,000 m (2,460 and 6,560 ft) from coastalBritish Columbia intoOregon.[4] Isolated groves nearNelson, British Columbia, andJohn Day, Oregon, may be the descendants of local populations dating to theLast Glacial Period.[4]
The tree benefits from annual precipitation exceeding 150 centimeters (59 in), particularly in deep snow though with temperatures not often dropping below −18 °C (0 °F). Snow tends not to break the flexible branches.[4] It isshade tolerant, but less so than associatedmountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) andPacific silver fir (Abies amabilis), and grows slowly.[4] Anti-fungal chemicals within the tree aid in its longevity. It is also rarely afflicted by insects, although is susceptible toheart rot.[4]
In Alaska, where the tree is primarily referred to as "yellow cedar", extensive research has been conducted intolarge-scale die-offs of yellow cedar stands. These studies have concluded that the tree has depended upon heavy coastal snowpacks to insulate its shallow roots from cold Arctic winters. The impacts ofclimate change have resulted in thinner, less-persistent snowpacks, in turn causing increased susceptibility to freeze damage.[20] This mortality has been observed over 7% of the species range, covering approximately 10 degrees of latitude from northern southeast Alaska to southern British Columbia. Substantial future mortality is likely due to warming temperatures and decreasing snowpacks.[21] TheU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is reviewing whether to designate the species as threatened or endangered.[22][23][24]
The Nootka cypress is used extensively by theindigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, along with another cypress,Thuja plicata (western redcedar). While thewood and inner bark of western redcedar was preferred for larger projects like houses and canoes, the stronger inner bark of Nootka cypress was used for smaller vessels and utensils, including canoe paddles and baskets, as well as thread for clothing and blankets.[4]
This species has been considered to be one of the finest timber trees in the world and has been exported to China during the last century. The wood has been used for flooring, interior finish and shipbuilding.[25]The tree has extreme heartwood qualities that make it one of the most desired sources offirewood on the West Coast. It burns very hot and lasts a long time as embers. A tree can still be used for firewood up to 100 years after its death.
The various physical properties of the wood make it an attractive material for both general construction and boatbuilding.[4] Due to its slow growth it is hard and, like other cypress woods, it is durable; it therefore offers good dimensional stability and is resistant to weather, insects, and contact with soil. It works easily with hand or machine tools, turning and carving quite well. It can be fastened with glues, screws, and nails. Nootka cypress's texture, uniform color, and straight grain will take a fine finish. It resists splintering and wears smoothly over time. When fresh cut it has a somewhat unpleasant bitter scent, but when seasoned it has barely any discernible odor, hence its traditional use in face masks.
Due to its expense, it is used mainly for finished carpentry. Typical uses include exterior siding, shingles, decking, exposed beams, glue-laminated beams, paneling, cabinetry, andmillwork. Inhistoric preservation it can be used as a substitute forThuja plicata (western redcedar) andTaxodium distichum (bald cypress), due to current difficulties in obtaining quality timber of those species due to environmental concern and past over-exploitation, although this applies equally to Nootka cypress.
Other uses for Nootka cypress include saunas, and battery containers due to its resistance to acids. Traditionally, paddles, masks, dishes, and bows were made from the wood.
The drooping branchlets give the tree a graceful weeping appearance.[4] It makes an attractive specimen tree in parks and open spaces. It can also be used as a tallhedge. It will grow inUSDA plant hardiness zones 5–9, but can be difficult to grow. Best growth is in light or heavy soil, preferably well drained, and in climates with cool summers. It prefers semi-shade to full sun. It can also be used inbonsai.
Under the synonymXanthocyparis nootkatensis thecultivarC. nootkatensis 'Pendula' has gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[26][27]
A legend amongst the Nootka peoples of theHesquiaht First Nation tells of the origins of the Nootka cypress. In the legend, araven encounters three young women drying salmon on the beach. He asks the women if they are afraid of being alone, or ofbears,wolves, and other animals. Each woman responded "no". But when asked aboutowls, the women were indeed afraid of owls. Hearing this, the trickster raven hid in the forests, and made the calls of an owl. The terrified women ran up the mountains, but turned into Nootka cypress trees when they were out of breath. According to the Nootka, this is why Nootka cypress grows on the sides of mountains, and also why the bark is silky like a woman's hair, and the young trunk is smooth like a woman's body.[28]
InTlingit culture the story ofNatsilane describes how a Nootka cypress was used to carve the world's firstkiller whale.
Data related toCupressus nootkatensis at Wikispecies
