Oregon cedar

Profile

Family

Cupressaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

27.5 m

Spread

7 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

600 years

First yield

after 5 years

Hardiness

zone 5–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

4.5 – 7.5

Synonyms

Scheinzypresse

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Other uses: Plants can be cultivated into tall hedges and are highly tolerant of pruning, as long as it avoids cutting into the inner brown wood, which trees cannot regenerate from. Trimming is best done during the summer months. Some compact varieties can serve as ground cover; recommended cultivars include 'Knowefieldensis', 'Nidiformis', and 'Tamariscifolia'. The branches have been historically utilized for crafting brooms. The wood is prized for its fine grain, hardness, strength, durability, ease of manipulation, lightness, fragrant resin content, and resistance to acids. Regarded as one of the world's finest woods, it finds extensive applications in flooring, fences, boat construction, and more. However, its availability has dwindled due to excessive harvesting without adequate replanting.

Growing

Thrives in various soils and conditions, preferring moist deep loamy soil and a sheltered position. It can grow well in heavy clay and survive on dry alkaline soils. The growth of trees is minimally affected by a lack of phosphate. The plant shows moderate shade tolerance, especially in its early stages. It is somewhat tolerant of atmospheric pollution, although some reports suggest it may not thrive in polluted environments. While fairly wind-resistant, it does not do well in severe maritime exposure. The species can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C. In the wild, it is a relatively long-lived tree, with some specimens reaching 500-600 years old. Valued for its timber, it is occasionally cultivated for forestry purposes and can self-sow. It establishes easily, with rapid initial growth that slows down over time. The species exhibits uniformity in the wild but shows polymorphism in cultivation, with numerous named varieties. The crushed foliage emits a strong odor. Birds are attracted to the tree for roosting and nesting, particularly larger specimens that provide cover. However, the trees are highly susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Sow the seeds outdoors in a seedbed in March/April. The seeds germinate best in pots in a cold frame. Seed germination can take up to 18 months. One month of warm stratification followed by one month of cold stratification has produced good results. When the seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots and grow them in a cold house for the first winter before planting them out in late spring, after the last expected frosts. Take cuttings in late summer or autumn in sandy soil in a cold house. This is difficult, so it may be best to do this in late winter or spring.

Notable

Special features: opaque and very tolerant of pruning, except into old wood; often unknowingly referred to as Thuja, so perhaps there is little mention of Oregon cypress or L. false cypress; unlike Thuja, it can cope with dry soils, not with drying winds. → Forest tree: Popular varieties: ('Columnaris Glauca' up to 10m tall, blue, 'Ivonne' up to 8m tall, yellow);

Origin & habitat

Western North America - Oregon to California. Locally wild in southern Europe.

Open forest and shrubland. Occurs infrequently on limestone.

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