Best in cool, humid summers sheltered from hot sun and wind. Tendency to codominant leaders. Additional water needed if in sun.
NCSU and Stoecklein assert fast growth, and Cal Poly leans in that direction, but UFL, the USDA, and JerseyYards.org say just the opposite. There seems to be no geographic pattern among these opinions, so it's hard to know whom to believe here. OSU and UFL both note its picky nature, outnumbering Missouri BG who calls it easy to grow.
OSU suggests Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Cupressus nootkatensis as alternatives due to alleged full shade tolerance, which would certainly be news to me; the only other mention I can find of either of those species tolerating full shade is UFL claiming it for Cupressus nootkatensis.
Deer tolerance is also debated.
Regarding the "pest/disease sensitive" tag: as of 2021, it is impossible to discuss using this tree without mentioning the hemlock woolly adelgid. Be prepared to spray.
Sources: White Oak, Sunset, NCSU, Cal Poly, Rutgers, UFL, OSU, JerseyYards.org, AHS, Missouri BG, USDA.
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