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Lawson Cypress

©Philip Precey

Lawson cypress

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.

Species information

Statistics

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.

How to identify

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.

Distribution

Widespread.

Habitats

Did you know?

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

How people can help

Our gardens are a vital resource for wildlife, providing corridors of green space between open countryside, allowing species to move about. In fact, the UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together. So why not try planting native plants and trees to entice birds, mammals and invertebrates into your backyard?