Lawson Falsecypress

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

Leaves: Evergreen. Scaly foliage arranged in flattened, drooping sprays. Deep green color with a white marking underneath on the leaves.

Bark/Twigs: Brown to reddish-brown trunk and fibrous. Trunk is divided into thick rounded ridges and deep furrows.

Flowers/Fruit: Inconspicuous flowers. Small ¼ inch round female cones with wrinkled scales.

Mature size and shape: Large. 40 to 60 feet high. Pyramidal to conical tree with ascending branches, drooping at the tips and ending in flat sprays.

General information/special features: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained, moist soil. Does not thrive in excessive heat. Shelter from winds.

Landscape use and maintenance: Large, evergreen specimen tree. Average growing rate. Average maintenance.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 7

Family/Origin: Cupressaceae – Cypress. Native near the Pacific coast in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California.  Not a true cedar or cypress.

Campus Use: Uncommon. Can be found west of George Thomas Building (Bld 5).