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Callitropsis nootkatensis

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Callitropsis nootkatensis,formerly known asCupressus nootkatensis(syn.Xanthocyparis nootkatensis, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis), is a species of tree in thecypress familynative 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 epithetnootkatensisis derived from the species being from the area ofNootka Soundon the west coast ofVancouver Island,Canada.Both locations are named for the older European name Nootka, given theNuu-chah-nulthFirst Nation.

Callitropsis nootkatensis
Foliage and green cone,Mount Rainier National Park

Apparently Secure(NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classificationEdit this 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(D.Don) Oerst. ex D.P.Little
  • Callitropsis nootkatensis(D. Don) Florin
  • Chamaecyparis nootkatensis(D. Don) Sudw.
  • Chamaecyparis nootkatensis(D.Don) Spach
  • Chamaecyparis nutkaensisLindl. & Gordon
  • Cupressus americanaTrautv.
  • Cupressus nootkatensisD.Don
  • Cupressus nutkatensisHook.
  • Thuja excelsaBong.
  • Thujopsis borealisCarrière
  • Thujopsis cupressoidesCarrière
  • Thujopsis tchugatskoyaeCarrière
  • Xanthocyparis nootkatensis(D.Don) Farjon & D.K.Harder

Description

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Callitropsis nootkatensisis anevergreenconifergrowing 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). Thebarkis 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 measuring3–5 millimeters (1⁄8–3⁄16in) 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 (5⁄16–9⁄16in) in diameter;[4]each scale has a pointed triangular bract about 1.5–2 mm long, again similar to otherCupressusand unlike the crescent-shaped, non-pointed bract on the scales ofChamaecypariscones. The winged seeds are small, thus dispersing at a close range; additionally, only a small percentage is viable.[4]

TheCaren Rangeon 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 nootkatensisis 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 AmericanHesperocyparisclade, which has generally been found to be phylogenetically closer toC. nootkatensisthan theOld WorldcladeCupressussensu stricto.[9]

Taxonomy

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First described in the genusCupressusasCupressus nootkatensisin 1824 based on a specimen collected "ad Sinum Nootka dictum", which translates to "said Bay of Nootka".[10]It was transferred toChamaecyparisin 1841 on the basis of its foliage being in flattened sprays, as in otherChamaecyparis,but unlike most (though not all) otherCupressusspecies. 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 toCupressusand 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 inCupressusdespite the many similarities. Little et al.[12][13]confirmed this relationship with further evidence and pointed out that an earlier nomenclatural combination in the genusCallitropsisexisted, asCallitropsis nootkatensis(D.Don) Oerst., published in 1864 but overlooked or ignored by other subsequent authors. Little et al.[13]therefore synonymisedXanthocypariswithCallitropsis,the correct name for these species under theICBNwhen treated in a distinct genus. The nameXanthocyparishas now been proposed for conservation, and the 2011International Botanical Congressfollowed 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 theGymnospermDatabase 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 genusCallitropsisand 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 containingJuniperusandCupressus sensu stricto.[17]

Distribution and habitat

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The species grows in moist areas of coastal mountains of thePacific Northwest,including those of theCascades,[4]from theKenai PeninsulainAlaskato theKlamath Mountainsin northernmostCalifornia.[18][19]It can be found at elevations higher than those reached byThuja plicata(western redcedar), sometimes in akrummholzform, 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 Alaskaand between 750 and 2,000 m (2,460 and 6,560 ft) from coastalBritish ColumbiaintoOregon.[4]Isolated groves nearNelson, British Columbia,andJohn Day, Oregon,may be the descendants of local populations dating to theLast Glacial Period.[4]

Ecology

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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 cedarstands. 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 changehave 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 Serviceis reviewing whether to designate the species as threatened or endangered.[22][23][24]

Uses

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See also:Indigenous uses of yellow cedar
Cultivated specimens atMorton Arboretum

The Nootka cypress is used extensively by theindigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast,along with another cypress,Thuja plicata(western redcedar). While thewoodand 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 offirewoodon 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.

Construction

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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 preservationit 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.

Landscaping

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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 zones5–9, 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 nootkatensisthecultivarC. nootkatensis'Pendula' has gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[26][27]

In Indigenous culture

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A legend amongst the Nootka peoples of theHesquiaht First Nationtells of the origins of the Nootka cypress. In the legend, aravenencounters 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]

InTlingitculture the story ofNatsilanedescribes how a Nootka cypress was used to carve the world's firstkiller whale.

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  • Mature individual with foliage in flat sprays hanging from branches
  • Cone detail
  • Seeds
  • Bark
  • C. nootkatensis'Glauca'

References

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  1. ^Farjon, A. 2013.Xanthocyparis nootkatensis.The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T44029A2991690.https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T44029A2991690.en.Accessed on 11 April 2023.
  2. ^"NatureServe Explorer 2.0".
  3. ^The Plant List,Xanthocyparis nootkatensis
  4. ^abcdefghijklmArno, Stephen F.; Hammerly, Ramona P. (2020) [1977].Northwest Trees: Identifying & Understanding the Region's Native Trees(field guide ed.). Seattle:Mountaineers Books.pp. 162–168.ISBN978-1-68051-329-5.OCLC1141235469.
  5. ^Gymnosperm Database
  6. ^Klinkenberg, Brian, ed. (2014)."Xanthocyparis nootkatensis".E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia [eflora.bc.ca].Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.Retrieved2015-03-31.
  7. ^Giblin, David, ed. (2015)."Callitropsis nootkatensis".WTU Herbarium Image Collection.Burke Museum, University of Washington.Retrieved2015-03-31.
  8. ^"Callitropsis nootkatensis".Jepson eFlora: Taxon page.Jepson Herbarium; University of California, Berkeley. 2015.Retrieved2015-03-31.
  9. ^abMao, K.; Hao, G.; Liu, J.; Adams, R.P.; Milne, R.I. (2010). "Diversification and biogeography ofJuniperus(Cupressaceae): variable diversification rates and multiple intercontinental dispersals ".New Phytologist.188(1): 254–272.doi:10.1111/j.1469-8137.2010.03351.x.PMID20561210.
  10. ^Garland, M. A.; Moore, G. (2012). "×Hesperotropsis,a new nothogenus for intergeneric crosses betweenHesperocyparisandCallitropsis(Cupressaceae), and a review of the complicated nomenclatural history of the Leyland cypress ".Taxon.61(3): 667–670.doi:10.1002/tax.613015.
  11. ^Gadek, P. A., Alpers, D. L., Heslewood, M. M., & Quinn, C. J. 2000. Relationships within Cupressaceae sensu lato: a combined morphological and molecular approach.American Journal of Botany87: 1044–1057.AbstractArchived2008-10-16 at theWayback Machine
  12. ^Little, D. P., Schwarzbach, A. E., Adams, R. P. & Hsieh, Chang-Fu. 2004. The circumscription and phylogenetic relationships ofCallitropsisand the newly described genusXanthocyparis(Cupressaceae).American Journal of Botany91 (11): 1872–1881.AbstractArchived2010-06-21 at theWayback Machine
  13. ^abFarjon, A., Hiep, N. T., Harder, D. K., Loc, P. K., & Averyanov, L. 2002.A new genus and species in the Cupressaceae (Coniferales) from northern Vietnam,Xanthocyparis vietnamensis.Novon 12: 179–189.
  14. ^Mill, R. R. and Farjon, A. (2006). Proposal to conserve the nameXanthocyparisagainstCallitropsisOerst. (Cupressaceeae). Taxon 55(1): 229-231.
  15. ^Earle, Christopher J., ed. (2018)."Cupressus".The Gymnosperm Database.
  16. ^Earle, Christopher J., ed. (2018)."Cupressus nootkatensis".The Gymnosperm Database.
  17. ^Stull, G. W.; Qu, X.-J.; Parins-Fukuchi, C.; Yang, Y.-Y.; Yang, J.-B.; Yang, Z.-Y.; Hu, Y.; Ma, H.; Soltis, P.S.; Soltis, D.E.; Li, D.-Z. (2021)."Gene duplications and phylogenomic conflict underlie major pulses of phenotypic evolution in gymnosperms".Nature Plants.7(8): 1015–1025.Bibcode:2021NatPl...7.1015S.doi:10.1038/s41477-021-00964-4.ISSN2055-0278.PMID34282286.S2CID236141481.
  18. ^Sullivan, Steven. K. (2015)."Cupressus nootkatensis".Wildflower Search.Retrieved2015-03-31.
  19. ^NRCS."Cupressus nootkatensis".PLANTS Database.United States Department of Agriculture(USDA).Retrieved2015-03-31.
  20. ^"Yellow-cedar are dying in Alaska; scientists now know why".Portland, OR: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. February 1, 2012.
  21. ^Rosen, Yereth (November 26, 2016)."New mapping shows extent of yellow-cedar die-off in Alaska; analysis forecasts big losses in the future".Anchorage Daily News.
  22. ^"Yellow cedar (Calliptropsis nootkatensis)".ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System.U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.Retrieved9 February2017.
  23. ^Soley, Theresa (30 September 2016)."Endangered Alaska tree? Rapidly dying yellow cedar may be listed".Alaska Dispatch News.Retrieved9 February2017.
  24. ^La Ganga, Maria L. (10 April 2015)."Alaska yellow cedar closer to Endangered Species Act protection".Los Angeles Times.Retrieved9 February2017.
  25. ^Peattie, Donald Culross (1934).Trees You Want to Know.Whitman Publishing Company, Racine, Wisconsin, p. 30
  26. ^"Xanthocyparis nootkatensis'Pendula'".RHS.Retrieved5 March2021.
  27. ^"AGM Plants - Ornamental"(PDF).Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 108.Retrieved10 March2019.
  28. ^Stewart, Hilary. (1984). Cedar: tree of life to the Northwest Coast Indians. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre.ISBN0-88894-437-3.

Further reading

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