The Leyland cypress, or 'Leylandii', is a large evergreen tree that is widely planted in parks and gardens as an ornamental species. It shows exceptionally rapid growth and has dense foliage - both factors that make it a popular hedging species. However, it can quickly grow it excessive heights, blocking out light in gardens.
How to identify
A tall, fast-growing, evergreen tree, the Leyland cypress has red-grey bark, slender and flexible twigs, and scale-like, soft leaves that form flat 'sprays'. It produces small, round, brown cones.
Did you know?
The Leyland cypress is actually a cultivated hybrid - a sterile cross between the Monterey cypress and the Nootka cypress, both from North America.
