1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States (Oregon and California). Introduced to Britain in 1854 and widely planted in parks, gardens, and shelterbelts.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Evergreen – retains foliage year-round.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Scale-like, flattened sprays of foliage, dark green to blue-green depending on cultivar. Crushed leaves have a strong, resinous smell.
Bark: Reddish-brown, fibrous, and peeling in narrow strips.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Produces small pollen cones in spring. Seed cones are spherical, about 8–12 mm across, with a few thick scales. Seeds are small and winged.
Overall shape: Tall, narrow, conical crown, often dense and symmetrical. Many cultivated forms range from columnar to dwarf.
4. Typical Size
30–45 m tall in ideal conditions in the UK; spread 6–12 m. Cultivars vary widely in size and shape.
5. Habitat & Range
Commonly planted across the UK in parks, estates, gardens, and as hedging. Thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Naturalised locally.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Flattened sprays of dark green scale leaves.
Spherical seed cones (smaller than Leyland cypress).
Strong, resinous smell from crushed foliage.
Conical, dense crown in wild type; huge variation in ornamental cultivars.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Produces pollen cones; foliage remains green.
Summer: Dense evergreen canopy.
Autumn: Cones mature and release seeds.
Winter: Evergreen foliage remains, often with a bluish tint in cold weather.
8. Human Uses
Widely used as an ornamental and hedging plant, with many cultivars.
Timber valued for its fine grain and durability; used in Japan for temples and traditional carpentry.
In Britain, mainly planted for screening, shelterbelts, and ornamental value.
9. Wildlife Value
Provides nesting and roosting habitat for birds.
Offers shelter for small mammals.
Less valuable to native insects than UK broadleaves.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Hundreds of cultivars exist, from dwarf rockery plants to towering hedges.
Known as “Port Orford Cedar” in the US, where its timber is highly prized.
In the UK, it became a Victorian favourite for estate gardens and formal hedging.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained loams; tolerates acidic and neutral soils. Avoid shallow chalk.
Light: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly for first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once mature.
Spacing: 1–2 m for hedges; 6–10 m for specimen trees.
Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture. Prune hedges annually to maintain density. Avoid cutting back into old wood, which may not regenerate.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Good for parks, gardens, and screening; tolerates pollution.
Garden: Excellent for hedges, windbreaks, or specimen trees in medium to large gardens. Dwarf cultivars available for smaller plots.