THE EUROPEAN CYPRESS.
C. sempervirens, Linn.
A tall, narrow pyramid of sombre green, the European cypress is found in cemeteries in south Europe and every where, planted for ornament. This is the classic cypress, a conventional feature of Italian gardens, the evergreen most frequently mentioned in classical literature. Slow growing and noted for its longevity, it was the symbol of immortality. It is hardy in the South-Atlantic and
Pacific-Coast states, and is a favorite evergreen for hedges in the Southwest.
Three other members of the genus occur on mountain foothills—one in Arizona, two in California—all easily recognized by their scale-like leaves and button-like woody cones, which require two years to mature.