Plant Library

Other Names:  Oregon Cedar, Port Orford Cedar

Description:

A popular evergreen in Europe, with a generally pyramidal to columnar shape and dark green foliage; numerous cultivars available in all shapes and forms

Ornamental Features

Lawson Falsecypress is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It has dark green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage remain dark green throughout the winter. The shaggy antique red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Lawson Falsecypress is an evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Lawson Falsecypress is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Lawson Falsecypress will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America.