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Lawson Cypress

©Philip Precey

Lawson cypress

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Scientific name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
The Lawson cypress is a large, conical-shaped, evergreen tree that has been introduced into the UK and widely planted in gardens and parks. It has also naturalised along damp banks and woodland edges.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 45m

Conservation status

Introduced, but naturalised species. Listed as Near Threatened on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

When to see

January to December

About

The Lawson cypress is a large, evergreen tree, that has been widely planted in parks and gardens as an ornamental or hedging species. Introduced from North America in the 1800s, it has also become naturalised along damp banks and woodland edges, providing shelter for birds when deciduous trees are not in leaf.

What to look for

The Lawson cypress has small, scale-like leaves that cover its green twigs. Left alone, a mature tree will become tall and conical in shape, but they are often pruned down in gardens and parks.

Where to find

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

The Lawson cypress was introduced into the UK from California in 1854.