Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Seeds | Lawson’s Cypress
LATIN NAME: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
COMMON NAME: Lawson’s Cypress, Port Orford Cedar
Plant Profile
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, commonly known as Lawson’s Cypress, is a tall evergreen tree, native to a narrow strip of coastal forest in southern oregon and northern california, it is a tree of the cool, moist pacific climate. It grows as a tall evergreen tree in wild, but in gardens it is usually seen as a smaller, shapely specimen or a hedge, with hundreds of named cultivars offering foliage in gold, blue, silver and green. Small, round cones sit on undersides of sprays, and foliage carries a pleasant, resinous scent. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the Chamaecyparis group, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Lawsons cypress has a significant place in forestry and plant pathology research. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
Lawson’s Cypress works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, Lawsons cypress is a valuable tree. Its dense evergreen canopy gives shelter and nesting sites for birds, its foliage provides cover for insects and small mammals, and in its native forests it is an important component of coastal ecosystem. Wood is prized for construction, boat building, fencing and joinery, being strong, durable and resistant to decay, and tree is one of the most widely planted garden conifers in the world, used for hedges, screens and specimen planting. Mature plants need little attention in a well-chosen position.
False cypresses give fine aromatic timber; Hinoki wood oil is prized in Japan for its calming scent and is a fixture of bath culture.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Lawson’s Cypress, and the process is uncomplicated. Growing Lawsons cypress from seed is straightforward and gives good results. Small seeds sit inside round cones, which open to release them. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in partial shade. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Its role in herbal practice, noted above, adds depth to an already garden-worthy plant. Given partial shade and free drainage, it asks for little routine attention.
Related Reading
If Lawson’s Cypress appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: