What are the differences?

Cypress or thuja - what are the differences?

• odor
• Needle shape
• Appearance
• Color change in winter
• Cones

Both conifers give off an aromatic scent when the leaves are rubbed between the fingers. The scent of the thuja is more pronounced. The aroma of the cypress is more reminiscent of lemon, while the smell of thuja is a little reminiscent of gummy bears. This difference can often only be determined if 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 of very different colors.

In winter the color of the needles of the tree of life changes. No change in color can be found in the cypress.

Difference in the cones

Cypresses carry small cones that depend on the Art rounded and in yellowish, greenish or bluish colors. They stay on the tree for a very long time and often only open after several years when they are lignified. They also open when exposed to intense heat, for example a fire.

The cones of Thuja, 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 in shady locations. Even compacted soil does not affect the tree of life as much as the cypress. The waterlogging that occurs on compacted soils favors the emergence of Diseases in cypress trees.

However, thuja needs more nutrients than a cypress. You need the trees more often fertilize.

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 and therefore as Hedge plants suitable.