Lawson's Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Lanei Aurea'
ABOUT
The plant known as Lawson's cypress 'Lanei Aurea' is an ornamental evergreen conifer characterized by its lush, golden-yellow foliage. This vibrant plant typically boasts a conical shape, with foliage that radiates outwards, providing a soft, textured appearance. Its leaves are scale-like, closely hugging the twiggy branches, and their bright hue adds a splash of color to the garden, particularly in the winter landscape when other plants may have lost their luster. Branches on the Lawson's cypress 'Lanei Aurea' grow in a horizontal pattern that becomes slightly more pendulous with age, lending the plant a graceful, weeping look. The contrast of the golden-yellow outer foliage against the deeper green of the interior gives the plant a multi-dimensional, visually striking appeal. Over time, the Lawson's cypress 'Lanei Aurea' develops into a dense, bushy plant that can serve as an excellent choice for privacy screens or as a statement specimen in garden design. Its coniferous nature means it retains its leaves throughout the year, providing consistent color and structure regardless of the season. The scale-like leaves may emit a pleasant, pungent fragrance when crushed or brushed against, further adding to the sensory experience of the plant. Despite its striking color, the Lawson's cypress 'Lanei Aurea' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can fit well into various landscaping styles.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Lawson's Cypress, Oregon Cedar, Port Orford Cedar, Gold Lawson Cypress
Common names
Cupressus lawsoniana, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Lanei Aurea') is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting. Direct contact with the foliage may also result in skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is always advisable to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting plant matter that is not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Lanei Aurea') is also not considered highly toxic to pets. Nonetheless, if a pet were to ingest a significant amount of the plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset including symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. As with humans, some pets may also have allergic reactions to the foliage, resulting in skin irritation. It is important to monitor pets around ornamental plants and to discourage them from chewing on plants that are not intended for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Golden
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides visual interest with its bright golden-yellow foliage, which can add color and contrast to garden landscapes.
- Evergreen Nature: Retains its foliage year-round, maintaining garden interest even in winter months.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create a dense hedge or screen, offering privacy and reducing noise pollution.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife within its branches.
- Minimal Maintenance: Generally requires little care once established, apart from occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for drought, making it suitable for drier climates or water-conserving gardens.
- Soil Adaptability: Can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil, increasing its versatility in landscape uses.
- Resilience to Disease: Shows resistance to many common plant diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of the Lawson cypress 'Lanei Aurea' can be used for creating musical instruments such as guitar backs and sides, offering a resonant quality to the sound produced.
- Dried branches of the Lawson cypress 'Lanei Aurea' can be crafted into wreaths and other decorative items for festive occasions due to their gold-tinted foliage.
- The tree's naturally symmetrical shape makes it a popular choice for creating privacy screens or hedges in landscaping.
- Finely cut foliage can be used in potpourri for a woodsy aroma or as a natural moth deterrent when placed in wardrobes and drawers.
- The Lawson cypress 'Lanei Aurea' is planted in urban settings to provide a splash of color due to its distinctive golden hue that contrasts with typical green cityscapes.
- Its dense growth habit makes it suitable for topiary, where it can be pruned into various shapes for artistic garden displays.
- Wood shavings from the Lawson cypress 'Lanei Aurea' can be utilized as mulch in gardens to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- The tree can be used as a windbreak in coastal areas, protecting properties and smaller plants from harsh sea breezes.
- Since it grows relatively slowly, the Lawson cypress 'Lanei Aurea' can be used for bonsai cultivation, allowing for precise shaping and training over many years.
- The Lawson cypress 'Lanei Aurea', when planted in proximity to outdoor living spaces, can help reduce noise pollution by acting as a natural sound barrier.
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- Everlasting Life: As an evergreen tree, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Lanei Aurea', also known as the Lawson's Cypress, retains its foliage throughout the year, often symbolizing eternal life and constancy.
- Peace: The soft and feathery texture of the foliage of Lawson's Cypress can be seen as a representation of tranquility, offering a sense of peace and calmness.
- Sanctuary: With its tall and dense growth habit, this tree can provide a natural screen, creating private spaces and symbolizing the idea of a safe haven or sanctuary.
- Resilience: The Lawson's Cypress's ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and withstand harsh weather represents resilience and adaptability.
WaterThe Lawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' prefers consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Provide deep watering once a week, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week depending on the weather conditions. Each watering session should be thorough, slowly adding approximately 2 gallons of water for a young plant, and up to 10 gallons for a mature tree. Reduce watering in the fall and water sparingly in winter, as the plant requires less moisture during dormancy.
LightLawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' thrives in full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in particularly hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the foliage. Ideally, find a spot that offers morning sunlight and some protection from the intense late afternoon sun.
TemperatureThe best temperature range for Lawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' is between 60°F and 70°F, but it can withstand colder temperatures down to about -20°F. This evergreen is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can survive in zones 5 through 8. Avoid exposing it to conditions where temperatures exceed 80°F for prolonged periods, as this can cause stress to the plant.
PruningPruning of Lawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' should be done to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It's not typically necessary to prune this plant annually, but selectively thinning out can improve air circulation. Never cut into old wood that lacks green needles as it may not regrow.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Lawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' is well-draining and fertile, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Incorporate organic material such as peat or compost to improve soil structure and fertility. Mulching can help maintain moisture levels and soil temperature.
RepottingLawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' typically does not need frequent repotting as it is often grown as an outdoor plant. However, if grown in a container, repotting every 2 to 3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound is appropriate to ensure continued growth.
Humidity & MistingLawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the natural humidity found in most outdoor environments. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to promote healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleLawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' begins its life as a seed, typically requiring a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, it grows into a juvenile plant with soft, bright yellow-green foliage that darkens as it matures. It enters a vegetative growth phase, forming a conical to pyramidal shape common in coniferous evergreens, and can take several years to reach its mature size, potentially up to 15 meters tall. During maturity, it produces small cones which mature over time, releasing seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. In its mature phase, the plant may become woody and less vigorous, eventually declining in health due to age, environmental stress, or disease. Post-reproductive Lawson's Cypress 'Lanei Aurea' typically enter a senescence phase, where the growth slows and the tree eventually dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Lanei Aurea', commonly known as the Golden Lawson Cypress, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. The most popular method involves taking a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, ensuring that the cutting includes several nodes. The lower leaves are removed and the base of the cutting treated with a rooting hormone to promote root growth. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic dome or placed in a humidity chamber to retain moisture. The cutting should be kept at a consistent temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) and out of direct sunlight. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being transplanted outside.
![Lawson's cypress [Ellwood's Pillar]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5d48a28a6.png&w=640&q=75)
