Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Common Names

Port Orford Cedar, Lawson Cypress, Oregon Cedar, White Cedar, False Cypress, Ginger Pine

Summary

Lawson cypress is an evergreen conifer native to western North America (Oregon to California) that grows as a tall, upright, narrow pyramidal tree with dense blue-green scale-like foliage; leaves are arranged in flattened sprays and a lemony fragrance is released when touched; cones are small.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils; typical mature size is 40–60 ft tall with a 10–20 ft spread; pruning is usually unnecessary but can shape hedges or screens; propagation is by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings; it is susceptible to Phytophthora lateralis root rot in poorly drained sites; widely used in parks, gardens, and hedges, with aromatic, rot-resistant timber historically used for timber and boat-building.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

40-60 ft

Spread

10-26 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.0–7.0).

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-7.5

Bloom Color

Blue, Crimson

Bloom Time

Spring (March-April)

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

No color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Birds: Attracted