Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, commonly known as Lawson's Cypress, is a majestic and versatile conifer that originates from the coastal regions of Oregon and California in the United States. This elegant evergreen tree is highly valued for its ornamental appeal and adaptability in diverse landscapes. One of its most striking features is its graceful, pyramidal shape, which is accentuated by its dense, feathery foliage. The leaves of Lawson’s Cypress are scale-like and come in various shades of green, blue-green, and even gold depending on the cultivar, adding year-round interest to the garden.

At maturity, Lawson's Cypress can reach an impressive height of 20 to 45 meters, with a spread of 4 to 12 meters. This considerable size makes it an excellent choice for use as a specimen tree, windbreak, or privacy screen. Its bark is also noteworthy, presenting a reddish-brown colour that peels away in long strips, providing additional textural interest. The cones of Lawson's Cypress are small, typically around 8 to 12 millimetres in diameter, and have a distinctive, spherical shape with tightly packed scales.

Lawson's Cypress thrives in well-drained soils and prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. It is quite adaptable but performs best in moist, fertile soils. When it comes to sunlight, this tree is versatile and can grow in full sun to partial shade, although it prefers full sun to achieve optimal growth and form. Additionally, it has a good level of tolerance to urban pollution, making it suitable for both rural and urban settings. Overall, Lawson's Cypress is a robust and attractive tree that can add significant aesthetic and functional value to any landscape.

Tree Specs

• Common Name: Lawson's Cypress
• Botanical Name: Chameacyparis lawonsonia
• Mature Height: 20m+
• Key Features:
  • Pinecones;
  • Magnificent green foliage;
  • Stately tree
  • Urban tree
  • Bark interest