WALLACE W HANSENNative Plants of the NorthwestNative Plant Nursery & Gardens
2158 Bower Ct S.E., Salem, Oregon 97317-9216
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Wallace W Hansen Click here for Home Page: www.nwplants.com For information about Wallace W Hansen Northwest Native Plant Nursery & Gardens: Business Information (Ordering, etc.) |
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Updated March 26, 2008Port
Orford Cedar, Lawson Cypress, White Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress) |
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| A Note from Wally: I grow Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Port Orford Cedar, Lawson Cypress, White Cedar) and many other Northwest Native Plants here in my Nursery and Gardens in the Willamette Valley in Western Oregon. I specialize in Northwest Native Plants and sell both Wholesale and Retail, depending on quantity. I usually have plants available year-round in one gallon containers and often in various other container sizes and as Bare Root plants in the Winter months. This site is intended as a reference for all who are interested in Northwest Native Plants: amateur, professional – everyone. For more information, go to my Home Page at www.nwplants.com and then click on Plant Catalog for current prices and availability. Be sure and then click on Plant Sales for any bargains. If you buy in large quantities, check the Wholesale Information Sites on my Home Page. |
(Click on painting for large view) |
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If you have any information about this species – stories, climates, uses, propagation, etc. please contact me at plants@nwplants.com If I publish your tips and information, I will credit you on the web and send you a credit memo. The following article is by Staff Writer Jennifer Bosvert. |
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One hundred years ago, a visitor to the
coastal forests of southern Oregon and northern California might have
noticed the native stands of dark, lush cedar-like trees not found
anywhere else in the world. Early botanists and naturalists to the area
certainly noticed this tree, and before long it had enchanted English
gardeners halfway around the world. Unfortunately fire, logging and a root
disease have decimated the native populations of that tree, the Port
Orford Cedar. However, the Port Orford cedar continues to be an extremely
popular ornamental, having many cultivars, and is a favorite of nurserymen
who continue to propagate this amazing tree.
Closely resembling the western red cedar, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is one of the more beautiful of the false cedars. The scale-like leaves create flattened sprays of blue-green foliage and spread an earthy, spicy scent on the coastal breeze. Small powdery blue “berries” adorning the foliage are actually the green cones of the tree, and you may remember seeing them in holiday greenery. Preferring either shade or sun, one may still occasionally stumble upon Port Orford Cedar in a shady understory or growing more openly in the sun. Growing to 200’ with trunk diameters of 4’-6’, this mature trees get to be about 600 years old. Underneath the stately, dark green, pyramidal canopy, the bark is brown and much thicker than other false cedars, though still fibrous. Very old wild trees will achieve the buttressed base that is distinctive of our native false cedars. The flat scale-like foliage is a rich blue-green, and while similar to western red cedar, tends to grow in a looser “fan-like” arrangement. The white “X” found on the bottom of the scale-like leaves helps to distinguish it from the western red cedar, which has more of a white “butterfly” shape on the underside of the leaves. The male flowers are tiny and red, and the pea-sized cones, so familiar from florist’s greens, start out green then turn to the more recognizable chalky blue, and finally brown when they ripen and release seeds. See Identification of False Cedars for more information. |
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| Habitat and Range: Southwestern Oregon to northwestern California is the limited natural range of this Port-Orford-cedar. Populations are densest near the ocean, although spotty colonies extend to Mt. Shasta. This tree prefers areas with abundant moisture, either in the soil or air, but amazingly enough occur in habitats from sand dunes to bogs, to spruce and fir forests. |
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Ornamental Values: Port Orford Cedar grows well in a variety of soils, but has the most
success in moist soil with adequate nutrients, and will grow well in heavy
clay. Although this tree enjoys having its roots moist, try not to plant it
in the wettest areas to avoid the root rot Phytophthora. Chamaecyparis
lawsoniana can be sheared into a hedge but don’t cut it back too far
because, unlike western red cedar, it won’t regenerate from the older
barked limbs. Port-Orford-cedar grows well in Sunset zones 4-6, 15-17 and
grows not as well (best in partial shade) in zones 15-17, 7-9, 14, and
18-21.In zones 2-3 cold wind and hot sun will burn the foliage. The
existence of over 200 cultivars attests to the ornamental value of this
tree. Native Plant Gardening/Wildlife Habitat:
Like most conifers, the primary wildlife value of the Port Orford cedar
is found as winter shelter, cover from predators, and as a nesting site in
the spring. Reportedly, songbirds enjoy using this tree as a nesting site. Restoration and Mitigation Values: Historical and Cultural Uses: Many indigenous uses of Port Orford Cedar are very similar to those of
the other false cedars. Port Orford Cedar branches were useful as brooms and
in the construction of bows by the Native Americans of southwest Oregon.
The wood was used in construction of dwellings, sweat lodges, and
canoes, and fiber from the bark was used in weaving and clothing.
Edible and Medicinal Uses*:
The resin from Port Orford cedar is said to be a powerful diuretic. *Please use caution when preparing or eating any parts of a plant.
Identification of the species and knowledge of a plant’s toxicity
are both essential before using any plant species medicinally or
otherwise. Please consult with a health professional before attempting to
treat any ailment.
Propagation Techniques: Propagation can be achieved with seeds or stem cuttings, using some of
the usual methods. Layering may be successful; sources are inconclusive on
this point. Seeds – Collect the cones from trees after they have turned from blue
to brown, but before they open. Then dry on a plastic sheet for several
days until the cones dry and open. Shake the seeds loose from the cones,
and separate the seeds from the chaff with a light fanning. Do not de-wing
the seeds. One month warm, then one month of cold stratification increases
germination, although they may take up to 18 months to sprout. In the
spring sow at a depth of 0.5 cm in moist soil. Shade partially for the
first year, and keep soil moist.
Cuttings – Cuttings may be successful, either taken in fall or early
winter and rooted in a cold frame.
Common Diseases: The root fungi, Phytophthora lateralis and P.
cinnamomi, are fatal to
Port Orford Cedar. These diseases are spread through human disturbance and
by water drainage patterns, and unfortunately there is no cure. Try
planting in undisturbed areas where the drainage pattern goes away from
the tree, not towards it, for best luck. And of course deer, beaver and
rabbit like to browse a sapling of Port-Orford-cedar now and then, so
protect young trees. |
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