- Cypress or thuja - what are the differences?
- difference in the cones
- Thuja is less demanding in terms of location
- Similarities between cypress and thuja
Whether a conifer is a cypress or a thuja is difficult for the layperson to tell. There are some distinguishing features, but these are minor. If in doubt, you should have an expert show you the differences.
The leaves of the thuja are somewhat coarser
Cypress or thuja - what are the differences?
- odor
- needle shape
- apparition
- Color change in winter
- cones
Both conifers give off an aromatic scent when the leaves are rubbed between the fingers. The scent of thuja is more pronounced. The aroma of cypress is more reminiscent of lemon, while the smell of thuja is reminiscent of gummy bears. However, this difference can often only be determined when both species grow side by side.
The needles of the thuja appear coarser than those of the cypress. They are also often darker, with cypress trees coming in wildly different colors.
In winter, the color of the needles of the tree of life changes. No color change can be observed in the cypress.
difference in the cones
Cypress trees have small cones that are rounded and colored yellowish, greenish or bluish depending on the species. They stay on the tree for a very long time and often only open after several years when they have become lignified. They also open when exposed to intense heat, such as a fire.
Thuja cones, on the other hand, have an elongated shape and are yellowish. They lignify faster and then burst open.
Thuja is less demanding in terms of location
In contrast to the cypress, Thuja gets along quite well with shady locations. Even a compacted soil affects the tree of life less than the cypress. The waterlogging that occurs on compacted soil favors the development of diseases in cypresses.
However, thuja needs more nutrients than a cypress. You need to fertilize the trees more frequently.
Similarities between cypress and thuja
Both plants are poisonous. They should therefore not be planted in gardens with children or pets.
Cypress and thuja are equally well tolerated by pruning and are therefore suitable as hedge plants.
tips
If you want to plant a hedge in a shady location, neither cypress nor thuja are the right choice. Yews and yew trees are much better suited for shady spots.