Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is a cypress native to the United States from southwest Oregon to the far northwest of California. It is called the Euro Tree because it was discovered by Euro-Americans working as collectors for The Lawson & Son nursery in Edinburgh, Scotland. They are used as simple and versatile décor for both fall and winter holidays. Dress them up with acorns and raffia among some colorful leaves for fall. Reuse them again in the winter as small decorated Christmas trees with small ornaments and glass beads, pinecones, ribbons and bows.
In nature, the trees can become huge but there are many cultivars available in the horticultural trade that exhibit dwarf and globular forms. Two that interest us are the Elwood Cypress (C. lawsoniana Elwoodii) and the Citrus Cypress (C. lawsoniana Citriodora).
The Elwood Cypress’s growth habit is dense, compact and columnar attaining a height of 6 to 8 feet. The foliage is a feathery, dark green. The Citrus Cypress has a more open habit, not being quite so dense and growing to 8 or 10 feet. The foliage is more scaly than feathery but the color is a gorgeous chartreuse. Both have a pleasing aroma. The Citrus Cypress has a decidedly lemony scent. In the garden, they make handsome container specimens or hedgerows. These two varieties are what we see available in pots and tins from a diminutive 3” size on up to 8”, good sized specimens.
The natural habitat is a cool, moist climate. With most populations occurring along stream beds. Euro trees will do well planted out in our more coastal climates. Give them a partial sun aspect inland. A soil amended with peat moss or Forest Mulch Plus is ideal since they require a moist, well drained soil. For container plantings, use the Sloat Organic Potting Soil.
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