A large non-native conifer, growing to 65m. Leaf bases cover the twigs, creating flattened sprays of foliage in opposite pairs. Leaves sprouting from the twigs are small, only 2–3mm long, and scale-like with an ovate shape. They are dark glossy green above with whitish markings underneath. The seed bearing cones are elongated rather than spherical, with flattened cone scales.

Cypress species, hybrids and cultivars  (e.g. Leyland, Lawson and Nootka) and some adult Juniper foliage also has appressed scale like leaves, in flattened shoots.  The Eastern Red-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) may be present in parks and gardens

Foliage very similar to some cypress, but cones are elongated with flattened cone-scales.  Sweet smell - like pineapple - when crushed, unlike oily unpleasant smell of Nootka Cypress and resinous scent of Lawson's. 

Photograph of leaf spray underside, upperside and cones.  Note if sweet-smelling. It may not be possible to verify this from picture of foliage. 

Planted for timber but also for ornament.

All year round.

Evergreen perennial.

Widespread, but most common in the southern half of England, in Wales and Lowland Scotland.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known. No attempt was made to record this species in the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire.