Port Orford Cedar

(Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)

Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, commonly known as Port Orford Cedar, is an evergreen tree native to moist forests, river valleys, and mountain slopes of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon and Northern California. It can reach impressive heights of up to 200 feet (61 meters) with trunk diameters between 4 and 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters). The tree’s foliage, arranged in flat sprays, has a feathery and delicate appearance with a distinctive blue-green hue. Its scale-like leaves, measuring 1⁄8–3⁄16 inch (3–5 mm) long, feature white markings on the underside and emit a parsley-like scent when crushed. Flowering is inconspicuous, but the tree produces small cones that add to its ornamental value.

Port Orford Cedar is valued for its elegant, lacy foliage and its adaptability to a range of garden settings. It is often used in parks and large gardens for its visual appeal and as a windbreak or privacy screen. This species prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soils and can tolerate some drought once established. It is important to provide protection from strong winds and to ensure adequate space for its mature size. Cultivars offer variations in form and foliage color, enhancing its use in landscape design. However, it can be susceptible to root rot and other fungal diseases, and care should be taken to avoid overly wet conditions. Additionally, it is considered invasive in some regions outside its native range, so local regulations should be consulted before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 110-175 feet
  • Width: 30-60 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Moist forests, river valleys, and mountain slopes in the Pacific Northwest

Other Names

Common Names: Lawson Cedar, Oregon Cedar, Port Orford White Cedar, Ginger-Pine, Lawson Cypress, Lawson’s False Cypress, Port Orford-Cedar, Oregon-Cedar, Lawson-Scheinzypresse, Cyprès De Lawson

Scientific Names: , Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Cupressus lawsoniana, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana f. filiformis, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana f. intertexta, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana var. glauca, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana f. lutea, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana var. aurea, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana var. stewartii, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana f. aluminii

GBIF Accepted Name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A.Murray bis) Parl.