- distinguishing features
- Slightly sloping tops
- False cypresses are more delicate
- Change in color of foliage in winter
- Do the smell test!
- Thuja better suited for shady locations
At first glance, cypress (Chamaecyparis) and thuja (Thuja occidentalis) look confusingly similar. This is not surprising, since both belong to the cypress family. However, there are a few features that will tell you the difference.
False cypresses and thuja look confusingly similar
distinguishing features
- Slightly sloping tops
- foliage color
- foliage shape
- scent
- location
Slightly sloping tops
In contrast to arborvitae (Thuja), the tops of the false cypresses incline slightly. This distinguishing feature can be seen at first glance.
False cypresses are more delicate
The foliage of false cypresses looks more delicate than that of thujas. The needles are often arranged in such a way that they look like seashells.
The needle-like leaves are also very slightly twisted. This is particularly noticeable with the blue cypress, whose needles have the typical bluish discoloration on the underside. The slight rotation gives the blue cypress its steel-blue appearance.
Change in color of foliage in winter
False cypress foliage does not change color in winter. The foliage of the thuja, on the other hand, becomes darker in almost all varieties.
Do the smell test!
The clearest distinguishing feature is the scent of the needles.
Gently rub the needles with your hands. The cypress smells slightly of lemon. The thuja, on the other hand, exudes a spicier aroma of cloves, which is a little reminiscent of Christmas.
Be sure to wash your hands afterwards and never run it over your face. The essential oils of the needles irritate the skin and cause symptoms of poisoning if ingested.
Thuja better suited for shady locations
The tree of life or thuja copes better with a shady location than the cypress. This remains rather small and inconspicuous if it lacks the light.
If you want to grow a dense, evergreen hedge in the shade, you should opt for Thuja.
Thuja has an even higher nutrient requirement than the cypress. You must therefore fertilize the plants frequently and provide them with compost, horn shavings (32.93€) or special cypress fertilizer.
tips
The essential oils of cypress plants are poisonous. If there are small children and pets, you should neither plant the false cypresses nor thuja in the garden.