Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A.Murray bis) Parl., Stud. Organogr. Conif. 181 (1864)
Synonymy:
  • Cupressus lawsoniana A.Murray bis, Edinburgh New Philos. J., n.s. 1: 292, Pl. IX (1855) – as Lawsoniana
Vernacular Name(s):
lawson cypress; lawsoniana; Lawson's cypress; Port Oreford cedar
 Description

Large, narrow-pyramidal tree; branches usually present to near ground and ± drooping towards the apex. Bark thick, fibrous, reddish brown, fissured. Branchlets in horizontal sprays, green or, less commonly ± glaucous (mostly glaucous in cultivation), aromatic when bruised. Sapling quickly passing into adult condition. Scale lvs appressed; facial pairs on lateral shoot systems (excluding 1–3 year terminal brown shoots) mostly 1–2 mm long, broad-ovate, subacute, with gland on back elongated and appearing as a translucent dot in transmitted light; lateral pairs similar but mostly 1.5–2.5 mm long, with whitish stomatal lines on lower side ± evident when fresh. ♂ strobili 2–5 mm long; pollen sacs deep pink to crimson. ♀ cones blue when young, brownish with bluish bloom and 6–9 mm diam. when mature; scales 8; umbo a small ridge. Seeds 2–4 on each scale, with conspicuous resin tubercles; wing narrower than or = to seed.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Bibliography
Edwards, R. 2008: Lincoln University campus – a guide to some of the trees currently growing there. Lincoln University, Lincoln.
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Murray, A. 1855: Descriptions of new coniferous trees from California. Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal, new series 1: 284–295.
Parlatore, E. 1864: Studi Organografici sui fiori e sui frutti delle Conifere. Annali del Museo Imperiale di Fisica e Storia Naturale di Firenze. Cellini, Florence.