Lemon Cypress or 'Gold Crest' is a cultivar of the Monterey Cypress, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, with a narrow, columnar habit and needled evergreen, bright yellow foliage. While Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, the primary species, is one of the largest of the cypress and can reach 80 feet high, a mature 'Goldcrest' would reach a height of 40 feet with a growth rate of about 10 inches a year.
'Gold Crest' tolerates a range of soil pH but needs well-drained soil and thrives in sandy soils. It can be grown in a container, but be sure to water regularly and prune in the spring to control growth. It is an easy to grow plant with bright yellow color and informal habit. It is often grown as a lawn specimen and will stand up to salt wind.
Great as a small living Christmas tree. Our 2-gallon trees are approximately 2' tall.
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Moderate
Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10
Origin: California
