Content
- False cypress or Thuja - what is the difference?
- Distinguishing features
- Slightly tilted tops
- False cypresses are filigree
- Change in the color of the foliage in winter
- Do the smell test!
- Thuja better suited for shady locations
- Tips
Scheinzypressen and Thuja look confusingly similar
False cypress or Thuja - what is the difference?
At first glance, cypress (Chamaecyparis) and Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) are confusingly similar. This is not surprising, since both belong to the cypress family. However, there are some features that make you realize the difference.
Distinguishing features
Slightly tilted tops
In contrast to thuja trees, the tops of the false cypress tend slightly. This distinguishing feature can be seen at first glance.
False cypresses are filigree
The leaves of false cypress seem more filigree than that of the Thujas. Often the needles are arranged to look like shells.
The needle-like leaves are also slightly twisted. This is especially noticeable in the case of the blue cypress whose needles have the typical bluish discoloration on the underside. The slight rotation of the blue cypress gives it a steel blue appearance.
Change in the color of the foliage in winter
The color of the foliage of cypress trees does not change in winter. The foliage of the Thuja, however, is darker in almost all varieties.
Do the smell test!
The clearest distinguishing feature is the smell of the needles.
Rub the needles lightly with your hand. The false cypress smells slightly of lemon. On the other hand, thuja exudes a spicy aroma of cloves, which reminds a little of Christmas.
Wash your hands and do not use it on your face. The essential oils of the needles have a skin-irritating effect and cause poisoning symptoms when 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 when it lacks the light.
If you want to keep a thick, evergreen hedge in the shade, you should opt for Thuja.
Thuja has an even higher nutrient requirement than the false cypress. You must therefore often fertilize the plants and provide them with compost, horn shavings or special cyprus fertilizer.
Tips
The essential oils of cypresses are poisonous. If you have small children and pets, you should not plant phylloscienes or thuja in the garden.