Description

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, also known as Lawson cypress or Lawson false cypress, is a conifer in the Cupressaceae family. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils and a temperate climate. It is sensitive to atmospheric pollution and fungal diseases. The evergreen foliage has flat, flexible scales arranged in flattened twigs. Young shoots are a lighter shade of green or silvery blue, and mature leaves are dark green. It is a conical to columnar tree with a dense, regular crown. It can reach 20 to 40 metres in height. The bark is reddish brown, cracked and fibrous with age. The cones are small, dark brown when ripe and appear on the upper branches of the tree.

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Origin

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is native to the west coast of North America, where it grows in the temperate rainforests of Oregon and California. It is abundant in mountainous areas and wet valleys along the Pacific coast. It is grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks in many parts of the world, because of its beauty and hardiness. It is appreciated as an ornamental tree for its attractive foliage and elegant habit. It is often planted to form hedges or as an isolated specimen in gardens. Its wood is less commonly used than other species and is sometimes used for light construction, furniture manufacture or timber production.