The Leyland cypress (Cupressus x leylandii), is a fast-growing coniferous evergreen tree, first created by crossbreeding the Monterey cypress and the Nootka cypress. The hybrid species features a dense, upright growth pattern, which is perfect for creating privacy hedges in landscaping. Leyland cypress trees are primarily propagated through cuttings, as the nature of creating hybrid plants causes most to be sterile.