Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Lawson Cypress
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Coniferous Trees

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Lawson Cypress

Cupressaceae
Klamath Mountains of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California — one of the most geographically restricted native conifers in North America

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At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height40-60 feet (12-18 m)
Width10-15 feet (3-4.5 m)
Maturity30 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
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Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantFragrant (moderate)
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is a large, long-lived, narrowly pyramidal evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, native to a remarkably restricted range in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California — one of the most geographically limited native conifers in North America. The specific epithet lawsoniana honors Peter Lawson & Son, an Edinburgh nursery that first distributed the species to horticulture in 1854. Also called Port Orford cedar. Trees grow 40–60 feet (12–18 m) tall in cultivation, to 200 feet (60 m) in the wild, with a width of 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m). The most distinctive field character is the PENDULOUS DROOPING BRANCH TIPS on the lateral branches. Foliage consists of FLATTENED SCALE-LIKE SPRAYS, blue-green to dark green, in horizontal planes. DIAGNOSTIC FRAGRANCE: crushed foliage releases a distinctive PARSLEY OR GINGER-LIKE SCENT — unlike any other Pacific Northwest conifer. Small globose cones 0.3 inch (8 mm). ⚠️ CONSERVATION CONCERN: Phytophthora lateralis root rot is catastrophically killing wild populations and cultivated specimens throughout the PNW. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Native to a restricted range in the Klamath Mountains of southwestern Oregon and northwestern California — one of the most geographically limited native conifers in North America. Also widely planted throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is planted as a large specimen, screening, or hedging conifer in Pacific Northwest gardens where moisture is adequate and Phytophthora lateralis is not present. The numerous cultivars (200+) include forms ranging from 6-inch dwarf globes to 60-foot trees in green, blue, gold, and variegated foliage. The parsley fragrance, pendulous branch tips, and diverse cultivar palette make this a botanically rich educational species. Of important conservation significance given wild population threats.

How to Identify

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is identified as a narrowly pyramidal large evergreen conifer with PNW-native provenance. Lawsoniana = named for Peter Lawson & Son, Edinburgh nursery. THREE DIAGNOSTIC CHARACTERS: (1) PENDULOUS DROOPING BRANCH TIPS on lateral branches; (2) FLATTENED SCALE-LIKE FOLIAGE SPRAYS in horizontal planes, blue-green to dark green; (3) PARSLEY OR GINGER-LIKE FRAGRANCE when foliage crushed — unique among PNW conifers. Small GLOBOSE CONES 0.3 inch. ⚠️ PHYTOPHTHORA LATERALIS root rot is a catastrophic threat to wild populations and garden plants throughout PNW. More than 200 cultivars available.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread10' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years

Colors

Flower Colors

brown
red

Foliage Colors

green
blue

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Small reddish-brown male pollen cones release pollen in February–March — among the earliest-flowering PNW conifers. Small globose female cones 0.3 inch (8 mm) ripen from green to brown August–September of the same year. Wind-pollinated. Ripe cones release winged seeds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

small GLOBOSE CONES 0.3 inch; ripen green to brown Aug–Sept; reddish-brown pollen cones Feb–Mar (early); wind-pollinated

Foliage Description

blue-green to dark green; flattened scale-like sprays in horizontal planes; PENDULOUS DROOPING BRANCH TIPS; PARSLEY/GINGER FRAGRANCE when crushed — unique among PNW conifers; lawsoniana = Peter Lawson & Son Edinburgh nursery 1854; restricted to SW Oregon/NW California Klamath Mountains; ⚠️ Phytophthora lateralis threat; 200+ cultivars

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
Requires 3-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysilt
Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20-30 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana requires full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Requires consistent moisture — more moisture-demanding than most large conifers. Good drainage essential; tolerates moist soils but not waterlogged. ⚠️ PHYTOPHTHORA LATERALIS: avoid planting in areas with a history of the pathogen; do not water from contaminated streams; purchase only certified disease-free stock from reputable nurseries. Many cultivars available in a wide range of sizes, habits, and foliage colors.

Pruning

No pruning required for natural form. Lower branches can be removed to raise the crown. Light shearing of young plants maintains a denser form. Do not cut into bare old wood — recovery is poor. The pendulous branch tips should not be altered.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic