Formerly Cupressocyparis, Cuprocyparis, Callitropsis, Hesperotropsis, etc.
Not recommended for Sunset zone 37 (stops at 34 and 39), but the fact that they're very common around here calls this into question. To be fair, maybe those are younger specimens that haven't had to make it through a harsh winter.
Habit is pyramidal in youth, columnar with age. Multiple sources note that this is one of a very few plants known to tolerate a severe topping (though that still doesn't mean you should actually do it if you have a choice).
May have bagworm/canker problems in hot-summer areas. Branch strength is debated (UFL vs. Cal Poly), as is wind tolerance (Sunset vs. Dirr/Warren, Stoecklein, and much anecdotal evidence).
'Gold Rider' retains its color the best of the gold-leaved varieties but is susceptible to phomopsis tip blight. 'Castlewellan' lost all yellow with time in the Southeast. 'Moncal' (Emerald Isle) is denser and smaller than the type and supposedly resistant to canker. 'Naylor's Blue' is looser and more open than the type, though that is not saying much, and slower growing, though that too is not saying much and it can still make 2.5'/year. 'Silver Dust' has white streaks and is even slower growing but can still make 2'/year.
Sources: Dirr, Cal Poly, Stoecklein, Sunset, UFL, Rutgers, AHS, USDA, Dirr/Warren.
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