Location

Found in warmer regions of Middle-earth, and particularly noted as growing in Ithilien

Species

Various trees and shrubs in the genus Cupressus, especially Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean Cypress

Pronunciation

si'press (where si is pronounced as in the English word 'sigh')

Meaning

From Greek kyparissos, of unknown origin¹

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Updated 27 May 2025
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Cypresses

Tall dark trees of warmer climes

Resinous evergreen trees with that grow small dark needles and distribute their seeds from cones. Cypresses typically grow into a tall and tapering shape that can reach heights of twenty metres (about seventy feet) or more. These trees prefer warmer latitudes, and in Middle-earth were rarely found northward of the sheltered garden land of Ithilien. It was there that they were seen by Frodo and Samwise as they entered the northern parts of that land on their journey to Mordor.

Notes

The derivation of kyparissos, the old name for this tree, is mysterious; it is hypothesised to come from an even more ancient language, now lost. The similarity of the name cypress to that of the island Cyprus is apparent, and the two may be linked. The origin of the island's name is not known with certainty, but the prevailing theory is that it derives from the many cypress trees that grow there. (It should be said that alternative theories also exist, including a possible connection with the copper (or kupros) mined on the island.)

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About this entry:

Updated 27 May 2025
This entry is complete

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Cypresses

Tall dark trees of warmer climes

Notes

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