Tree of the Year 2022: Boulevard Cypress

As 2022 says its farewells and we enter a highly anticipated 2023, it is time to look back at all the noteworthy trees we featured and crown one as the prestigious Tree of the Year. With many outstanding plants in Newport, it is quite difficult to distinguish a single specimen for this honor, so why not two? 

Tree of the Year 2022 honors are awarded to the pair of the Boulevard Cypresses (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Boulevard’) at the southwest corner of Queen Anne Square. Boulevard Cypress is a true Rhode Island and Aquidneck Island plant, having been discovered at Boulevard Nurseries in Middletown several decades ago. ‘Boulevard’ is typically a slow growing compact, pyramidal shrub, and trees over 10 feet tall are considered large. Our featured trees are around 20 feet tall and showing their age with their spreading branches. The foliage is acicular, or needle-like, which is considered abnormal to the typical scale-like leaves of C. pisifera. The beautiful blue sheen and soft texture of the leaves is this plant’s claim to fame, and it’s easy to see why.  

A groundbreaking Rhode Island plant that will certainly be a staple in Newport landscapes for years to come!