Chinese Weeping Cypress

Chinese weeping cypress (*Cupressus funebris*) is an evergreen conifer known for its upright trunk and delicate, vertically hanging foliage sprays. [Trees and Shrubs Online](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/cupressus/cupressus-funebris/) describes trees potentially reaching about 21 m, with smooth brown bark and small rounded seed cones. Young seedlings have foliage that differs noticeably from the flattened sprays of older plants. ## Site and care This is a tree for a mild, sheltered site with room to mature. The historical British cultivation account reports repeated cold damage to young trees at Kew, so local hardiness needs verification. The [genus account](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/cupressus/) recommends sun and good drainage for cypresses. Maintain establishment moisture and inspect for damaged or dying branches. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:261925-1) accepts Cupressus funebris and lists Chamaecyparis funebris, Callitropsis funebris and Platycyparis funebris as synonyms. These names should be checked together when confirming nursery identity. ## Tasmania Fire Service — 2014–15 The [TFS garden-plant guide](https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/landcaretas/pages/101/attachments/original/1466562095/140835_TFSFireResistingPlants_2014_15.pdf?1466562095=) classifies this species as High Flammability and advises avoiding it in both the Building Protection Zone and the Fuel Modified Zone. This is a source-specific hazard classification, not a recommendation for planting near buildings. Keep the source's placement and fuel-management conditions with the assessment.