Lawson's Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris'
ABOUT
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris', commonly known as the Lawson cypress 'Columnaris', is characterized by a distinct conical shape with a dense growth habit. Its foliage consists of scale-like leaves that are soft to the touch, displaying a rich bluish-green hue which can appear silver-blue under certain light conditions. The leaves are arranged in flat sprays that contribute to the plant's overall texture. The Lawson cypress 'Columnaris' produces small cones, typically no larger than a small marble, which start out green and mature to a brown color as they age. This ornamental conifer is often appreciated for its stately presence and unique color, making it a popular choice for garden landscapes where it serves as an accent plant, hedge, or screen.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae
Synonyms
Lawson's Cypress, Oregon Cedar, Port Orford Cedar, Blue Cypress, Columnar Lawson Cypress
Common names
Cupressus lawsoniana (A.Murray bis) Parl., Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A.Murray) Parl.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the Lawson's cypress is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions after handling the plant, as it can cause dermatitis. Ingestion is typically not a concern as the plant is not known for being poisonous to consume, although eating plant material in general is not advisable and can sometimes result in gastrointestinal discomfort or other issues from the physical plant matter itself.
To pets
The Lawson's cypress is not known to be highly toxic to pets either. However, as with humans, some animals may have allergic reactions or experience irritation, particularly to their skin or mucous membranes, after contact with the plant. If a pet were to ingest a significant amount of the plant, it could potentially result in gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, simply due to the ingestion of non-digestible plant matter.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Height
30 feet 10 inches (9.14 meters)
Spread
6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Lawson Cypress 'Columnaris' is known for its attractive blue-green foliage and columnar shape, making it a popular choice for ornamental use in landscapes.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it serves as an effective privacy screen or windbreak, providing seclusion and shelter.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners who prefer low maintenance landscaping.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Its thick foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for birds.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, from formal hedges to solitary specimen plantings.
- Adaptable: The plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
- Climate Tolerant: It is tolerant of a variety of climates and can thrive in different temperature zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wood Carving: The dense, fine-grained wood of the Lawson's cypress is suitable for detailed carving, often used in ornamental and artistic woodworking.
- Acoustic Insulation: The wood of the tree can be used in construction to provide natural sound insulation due to its dense structure.
- Insect Repellent: Chips and shavings of Lawson's cypress can be placed in closets or drawers to repel moths and other insects naturally.
- Privacy Screens: Because of its dense foliage and tall, columnar growth habit, this tree is commonly planted in rows to create privacy screens in residential and commercial landscapes.
- Windbreaks: Lawson's cypress trees are used in agricultural settings to protect crops and soil from wind erosion.
- Erosion Control: Their extensive root systems make them ideal for stabilizing slopes and riverbanks, preventing soil erosion.
- Topiary: The plant's form and foliage make it a good candidate for topiary designs where it can be trimmed and shaped into various ornamental forms.
- Holiday Decor: The tree's foliage can be used to create wreaths and garlands during the holiday season due to its attractive appearance and fresh scent.
- Urban Greening: Used in urban landscapes to help reduce the heat island effect by providing shade and cooling the air.
- Habitat Creation: Planting Lawson's cypress can contribute to creating habitats for birds and other wildlife in suburban gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lawson's Cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lawson's Cypress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris', commonly known as the Lawson's Cypress, is an evergreen conifer symbolizing longevity due to its potential to live for several hundred years.
- Endurance: Its ability to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions makes it a symbol of endurance and resilience.
- Purity: The Lawson's Cypress is often associated with purity because of its clean and sleek foliage, as well as the fresh scent that it emits, reminiscent of clean air and the pristine forests it represents.
- Peace: This tree can create a sense of serenity and peacefulness in gardens and landscapes, leading to its association with tranquility.
- Protection: Historically, trees like the Lawson's Cypress have been planted in sacred places and are believed to offer protection due to their tall and sturdy nature.
WaterThe Lawson's Cypress, commonly known as Columnaris, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the water reaches the root system. An established Lawson's Cypress may need watering every two to three weeks, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During extreme heat or drought, watering frequency should increased to once a week. One to two gallons per watering session is adequate for young trees, while mature trees may require 10 to 15 gallons, always allowing the soil to dry somewhat between watering sessions.
LightLawson's Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best placed in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter regions where afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
TemperatureColumnaris can withstand a broad range of temperatures, but it grows best in regions where the temperature typically ranges between 40°F and 70°F. It can handle minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and can endure summer highs up to around 90°F.
PruningLawson's Cypress or Columnaris should be pruned to maintain its shape and health. Pruning is best done during the dormant season, in late winter before the spring growth begins. It may require pruning once a year to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the plant. Thinning out some of the dense growth can improve air circulation.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Lawson's Cypress 'Columnaris' is well-draining with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand to facilitate proper drainage and aeration. The soil pH should remain slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.
RepottingLawson's Cypress 'Columnaris' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an outdoor tree; however, if container-grown, repot every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingLawson's Cypress 'Columnaris' prefers outdoor conditions with naturally varying humidity, but it is adaptable and does not require a specific humidity level to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and adequate space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, with room to grow.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleLawson's Cypress 'Columnaris' begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions of moisture and light, will develop into a seedling. The seedling then enters a juvenile phase, characterized by rapid vertical growth and the development of its root system. As it matures into an adult plant, it continues to grow taller and starts to develop a conical shape with dense, blue-green foliage. During its reproductive phase, which can begin when the tree is several years old, it produces small, spherical cones that contain the seeds for the next generation. These cones mature, release their seeds, and the cycle begins anew. Lawson's Cypress 'Columnaris' can live for many decades, with some specimens living over 100 years, during which it will maintain its evergreen foliage throughout the year until it reaches the senescence stage, where growth slows and the plant eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method of propagation for Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Columnaris', commonly known as the Lawson's Cypress 'Columnaris', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late summer to early autumn. To do this, a healthy shoot is selected, a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting is taken, and the lower leaves are stripped. The base of the cutting is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development and then it is planted in a well-drained propagating medium. The cuttings are then kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots have established, which usually takes several weeks to a few months. After rooting, the plants are gradually acclimatized to outside conditions before being planted in their permanent location.
