Lawson Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Grayswood Pillar'

Names

• Family

  Cupressaceae.

• Synonyms

  Lawson's Cypress, Oregon Cedar, Port Orford Cedar.

• Common names

  Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Grayswood Pillar'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as Lawson's Cypress is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation when handling the plant, as it can contain allergenic compounds. If ingested, the plant material could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. It is not commonly associated with severe poisoning or life-threatening symptoms in humans, but it is still advisable to avoid eating any parts of the plant.

• To pets

  The Lawson's Cypress is not typically listed as a highly toxic plant for pets. While it might not be severely poisonous, ingestion could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always a good practice to discourage pets from chewing on or consuming parts of this or any ornamental plant to prevent any potential adverse reactions.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  15 feet (4.57 meters)

• Spread

  4 feet (1.22 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: The Lawson Cypress 'Grayswood Pillar' offers an elegant, upright shape, adding vertical interest and architectural form to the garden.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
• Evergreen Foliage: Its evergreen leaves provide year-round color and texture, which is particularly valuable during the drab winter months.
• Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
• Privacy Screen: Due to its height and growth habit, it can be used as an effective privacy screen or windbreak.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant has a good level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with less frequent rainfall.
• Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions.
• Resistances: The Lawson Cypress 'Grayswood Pillar' shows resistance to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Lawson's Cypress wood shavings can be used in the craft of wood-turning, producing beautiful, aromatic items such as bowls and vases.
• Smaller branches of Lawson's Cypress can be used for creating intricate wreaths or holiday ornaments due to their soft foliage and pleasant scent.
• Chips and sawdust from Lawson's Cypress can be used as natural mulch in gardening, providing a clear, insect-repellent ground cover.
• The dense foliage of Lawson's Cypress can be used as a sound barrier when planted in thick rows along highways or noisy areas.
• Lawson's Cypress can be incorporated into landscape designs as a living fence or privacy screen due to its tall and narrow growth habit.
• The wood can be crafted into furniture, offering a durable and visually appealing option for indoor or outdoor pieces.
• Thick hedges of Lawson's Cypress can be used as windbreaks, protecting smaller, less hardy plants from strong winds.
• The tree's wood, when finely ground, can be added to compost as a source of carbon to improve soil structure and fertility.
• When dried, the foliage of Lawson's Cypress can be used in potpourri mixtures for a long-lasting and natural forest scent.
• Lawson's Cypress trees can be utilized in bonsai culture, providing a challenge to growers due to their fast growth and need for careful shaping.

Feng Shui

The Lawson's Cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Lawson's Cypress is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Longevity: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, commonly known as Lawson's cypress, is an evergreen conifer which symbolizes enduring life due to its longevity and perennial growth.
• Protection: Many cypress species are considered symbols of protection, as historically they've been planted in graveyards to protect the dead; Lawson's cypress may similarly symbolize shelter and safeguarding.
• Peace: Cypress trees are often associated with serenity and peace, perhaps because of their use in tranquil cemetery settings.
• Purity: The evergreen nature of Lawson's cypress represents purity and cleanliness, with its constant green foliage symbolizing a steady and untainted presence.