Wissel's Lawson Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Wisselii'
ABOUT
The plant, commonly known as Wissel's Sugi or Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii', bears a highly ornamental and distinct form. Its foliage is characterized by its deep green color, tightly arranged in attractive spirals around the branches, which creates a textured and somewhat fluffy appearance. The leaves themselves are scale-like and may exhibit a subtle bluish tint or whitish markings underneath, adding to its visual appeal. Throughout the growing season, small, cone-like seed-bearing structures may emerge, contributing an additional decorative aspect to the plant. These cones are generally not the main attraction but serve to accent the dense, lush foliage. The overall look of Wissel's Sugi is elegant and upright, with a somewhat architectural, columnar to narrow pyramidal shape. This refined silhouette makes it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers who are looking to create vertical interest without the imposing presence of a large tree. The soft texture and unique form of Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' allow it to stand out as a focal point in gardens or as part of a mixed planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae.
Synonyms
Wissel's Lawson Cypress, Wissel's Sugi.
Common names
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Wisselii'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Lawson's Cypress is generally not considered to be poisonous to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant typically does not cause severe toxicity. However, like many plants, it may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
The Lawson's Cypress is not commonly associated with severe toxicity in pets. However, it's always possible for a pet to have an adverse reaction to any plant material. Ingesting large quantities of this plant might lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested a substantial amount of this plant and is showing symptoms of poisoning, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The plant offers unique visual interest with its narrow, conical shape and graceful, drooping branches, making it a striking addition to landscapes.
- Ease of Care: It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established, making it suitable for gardeners at all levels of expertise.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has some level of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering in non-extreme conditions.
- Cold Resistance: It is hardy in many climates and can withstand cold temperatures, making it a suitable choice for northern gardens.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, increasing local biodiversity.
- Privacy Screen: Due to its dense growth, it can be used to create privacy screens or hedges, offering a natural barrier between properties.
- Soil Stabilization: It can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil due to its root system.
- Year-Round Interest: As an evergreen, it provides color and structure to the garden throughout all seasons, which is especially appreciated during the winter months when other plants may be dormant.
- Adaptable to Various Soil Types: While preferring well-drained soils, it can adapt to a range of soil conditions which makes it quite versatile for different garden settings.
- Windbreak: When planted in rows, it can act as an effective windbreak, protecting gardens and homes from strong winds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wood Crafting: The wood of the Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' is often used by woodworkers for crafting small objects or inlays due to its fine texture and workability.
- Sound Insulation: The dense foliage of White Cedar 'Wisselii' can be used in garden design to buffer noise pollution.
- Scented Decorations: Branches of the White Cedar 'Wisselii' can be used in wreaths or potpourri for a pleasant scent during the holiday season.
- Wildlife Shelter: The dense growth habit provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Model Making: Thin strips of White Cedar 'Wisselii' wood are sometimes used for making detailed models, such as ships or architectural models.
- Bonsai: Due to its conical shape and evergreen foliage, it can be trained as a bonsai for ornamental purposes.
- Fantasy Gardens: Its unique structure is ideal for creating an otherworldly or fantasy-themed garden.
- Horticultural Training: Used as a specimen for teaching pruning and shaping techniques in horticulture classes.
- Photographic Subject: The distinct form and texture make the Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' a popular choice for photographers and artists.
- Film and Stage Sets: The tree can be used in set designs to create realistic or whimsical forest scenes.
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- Endurance: The Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' is a conifer known for its ability to live for many years, symbolizing endurance and the ability to withstand the challenges of time.
- Protection: As an evergreen with dense foliage, this plant often represents protection and shelter, providing a safe haven for wildlife throughout the year.
- Eternity: The evergreen nature of the Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' signifies eternal life and immortality, often used in representations of unchanging or everlasting elements.
- Purity: The clean, fresh scent and appearance of the cypress can be symbolic of purity and cleanliness in various cultures.
WaterThe Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' prefers consistent moisture, so it's important to water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Generally, this means watering about once a week, but frequency may increase during hot, dry periods or if it's planted in well-draining soil. When watering, apply water slowly at the base of the plant until the soil is saturated, which may amount to about 1-2 gallons depending on the size of your plant and environmental conditions. During the winter months or in cooler climates, reduce the frequency to accommodate slower soil drying and plant uptake.
LightThe Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this conifer is a spot where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some light shade. Avoid deep shade conditions as this can reduce the plant's vigor and density of the foliage.
TemperatureLawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' can withstand a range of temperatures from approximately -10 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing temperatures can be tolerated, especially once the plant is well-established. The ideal growing temperatures for this cypress is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth without stress from extremes.
PruningThe Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' should be pruned to maintain its shape and health, usually done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning to remove any dead or damaged branches can be done at this time. For shaping or size control, avoid heavy pruning as this can harm the plant. Once a year is typically sufficient for maintaining its natural, slender form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLawson's Cypress 'Wissel's Saguaro' thrives in moist, well-draining soil with an acidic pH of 5.0-6.0. A mix of peat, perlite, and organic compost is ideal to maintain proper moisture and nutrient levels.
RepottingLawson's Cypress 'Wissel's Saguaro' should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent root crowding and replenish nutrients, ensuring healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingLawson's Cypress 'Wissel's Saguaro' prefer high humidity conditions, ideally between 50-70% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in well-draining soil, bright indirect light, high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, shielded from harsh winds, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleLawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, develops into a seedling with characteristic juvenile foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative growth stage where it develops its unique conical shape and scale-like adult leaves. During this time, it also forms a woody stem that starts to thicken, and the plant establishes a robust root system. Once Lawson's Cypress 'Wisselii' reaches maturity, it produces cones – male cones release pollen to fertilize female cones, which then develop seeds. The mature tree may enter a period of vegetative rest or slow growth but can also continue to produce cones annually as long as it is healthy. Lastly, the plant completes its life cycle when it eventually succumbs to environmental factors, disease, or old age, during which the cones release their seeds, potentially giving rise to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Wisselii', more commonly known as the Lawson's cypress 'Wisselii', is primarily propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique is best performed in late summer to early fall when the current season's growth has started to mature but is not yet fully hardened. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free parent plants, with lengths typically ranging from 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters). The lower needles are removed to expose the nodes and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a well-draining propagation mix and kept under high humidity and consistent but indirect light until roots have formed and the cutting is ready to be transplanted.
