Question
Is there a difference between the cupressus sempervirens glauca & stricta?

Answer

Both are Italian cypress trees but different varieties.




Glauca Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens "Glauca") is an Italian cypress variety that grows in height from 25 to 40 feet with a spread of 3 feet or less. Glauca is characterized with blue-green, scale-like foliage and compact columnar form. The tree is very fast growing and often gives the impression of a telephone pole. The tree grows well in USDA zones 7B to 11 and is popularly used to create landscape screens by plating in close proximity. Glauca Italian cypress develops a strong shape without much pruning, and is resistant to breakage. The tree grows well in full sun and most well-drained soils. It has tolerance for both alkaline and acidic soil and is resistant to drought.




Italian cypress stricta (Cupressus sempervirens "Stricta") is an elegant variety of Italian cypress with the Italian cypress hallmark tall, narrow growth habit. Stricta has an increased cold hardiness as compared to other Italian cypress varieties and is commonly used in Mediterranean-inspired landscapes. Stricta grows in wild, native stands in Italy and the foliage is dark green with a touch of blue. The tree grows to a mature height of 20 to 30 feet and has a moderate to fast growth rate. Stricta grows best in the full sun to partial shade and in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.