How to Tell Murray Cypress and Leyland Cypress Apart?

The Murray and the Leyland Cypress are both fast growers, so they are ideal for those who want fast privacy. A 2-3 feet tree planted in the Spring will give meaningful privacy by next Spring.

 

The differences:

Foliage Color:

Murray Cypress: The foliage of Murray Cypress is  green and has a slightly bluish tinge.

Leyland Cypress: Leyland Cypress has a green to light green foliage.

Leaf Scale Arrangement:

Murray Cypress: The leaves of Murray Cypress are arranged in flattened sprays, with overlapping scales on opposite sides of the stem.

Leyland Cypress: Leyland Cypress also has leaves arranged in flattened sprays, but the scales are arranged in alternating pairs along the stem.

 

Leaf Shape:

Murray Cypress: The leaves of Murray Cypress are more flat and wide.

Leyland Cypress: The leaves of Leyland Cypress are more pointy.

 

Murray Cypress leaves

 

Leyland Cypress Leaves

 

Growth Rate:

Murray Cypress: Murray Cypress has a faster growth rate in height compared to Leyland Cypress. It tends to grow more compact and narrower.

Leyland Cypress: Leyland Cypress is known for its rapid growth in width, making it a popular choice for quick privacy screens or windbreaks.

Cold Tolerance:

Both tolerate up to USDA Zone 6, but at times we receive pictures of mature Cyress from Michigan.

Shape and Size:

Murray Cypress: Murray Cypress typically has a more columnar or narrowly pyramidal shape.

Leyland Cypress: Leyland Cypress has a broadly conical to pyramidal shape and can grow to be larger overall.