#25) Cupressus macrocarpa 'Saligna Aurea'

While researching the cultivar 'Aurea' for class, I stumbled upon this beauty – a Golden Weeping Monterey Cypress. Apparently, it looks a little gangly when it is young, but with time, it becomes quite the specimen. There is one on Colusa Avenue that I've admired, and now I finally know what it is!

I was afraid that it might be a slow grower, but it's not – it's fast. It likes full sun, is drought-tolerant, and fits into my new favorite category of woodsy, sun-loving plants. I could see it as a background specimen, nestled between darker plants in back, and shorter broad-leafed plants in front. Agaves, aloes and yuccas could work nicely.

Devil Mountain carries the straight species, 'Saligna Aurea' (A), as well as 'Fine Gold' (B), which I've included here in case you were curious about it. 

Details:

Biological Name: Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea Saligna'

Common Name: Golden Weeping Monterey Cypress

Family: Cupressaceae

Origin: California (U.S.A.)

Exposure: Full Sun

Irrigation: Low Water Needs

Flower Time: Insignificant

Height: Over 40’

Width: 20’

#4) Cussonia spicata

I've admired this plant for many years, and have thoughts several times how nice it could look in my garden. I love it's broad gray green leaves, with their complex geometric form.

I assumed it was a small or medium sized shrub, but as it turns out, it's a tree! In its native country (South Africa), it can get incredibly large, branching off into a candelabra shape. I'd imagine that it would take many decades for this to happen. Branches can also fall off older trees, and produce cone-like flower stalks.

For landscape purposes, I've only seen this tree with a single trunk, which doesn't initially appeal to me. But, after giving this a little more thought, A) Cussonia spicata can be used much like a palm tree... in groupings, with trees differing in height/ages. And, one could underplant with other South African plants, such as B) Zamia furfuracea, C) Melianthus major, and D) Aloe ferox. The trees could look especially appealing along both sides of a walk, or against a prominent wall.

Details:
Biological Name: Cussonia spicata
Common Name: Cabbage-tree
Family: Araliaceae (Ginsengs)
Origin: South Africa (Africa)
Exposure: Sun or Shade
Irrigation: Medium Water Needs
Flower Time: Spring/Summer
Height: 25-40’
Width: 15-30’