Photo of Cunninghamia lanceolata by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Cunninghamia lanceolata

Also Known As

  • Chinese Cedar
  • Common China Fir

Plant type

tree, conifer

size

  • H: 30'-75'
  • W: 10'-30'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Cunninghamia lanceolata plant details

Cunninghamia lanceolata is an evergreen conifer tree with green foliage. chocolate, green, yellow and insignificant flowers flowers emerge Flowers are not showy, but nurture a healthy ecosystem as wildlife habitat. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cunninghamia lanceolata

Plant type: conifer tree
Plant family: cupressaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 10 FT - 30 FT - wide, 30 FT - 75 FT - tall
Flowers: chocolate, green, yellow and insignificant flowers blooms
Uses: cascading, container plant, pyramidal, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cunninghamia lanceolata

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A medium-sized, exotic-looking tree with heavy, emerald-green needles, curved and flattened, that turn bronzy in winter. S-PSh/M
The Chinese Fir is one of the most unique looking conifer species we grow with its wide, pointed leaves and often droopy branches. It is hardy to zone 7 but can be grown in a container and brought indoors during the winter in colder climates. Young trees are more susceptible to cold damage than mature trees so protect your tree during extreme cold for the first year or two while it is getting established. One of the easiest ways to protect evergreens from the cold is to get an empty garbage can and put it upside down over the tree and weigh it down with a rock. This adds a few degrees of insulation but more importantly prevents cold, dry winds from blowing over the leaves and drying them out.
Unlike most conifers, Chinese Fir trees can sprout new growth from the base of the tree and over time a single tree will often produce multiple trunks, similar to a California Coast Redwood.
Chinese Fir. We've been growing this in our cold zone 6A climate for more than 10 years, and in a spot that would not normally be recommended... in the shade. It has thrived and is the most often asked about plant in our garden. It has only been within the last 2 years that it has developed a leader, as it kept sending out these lateral branches. 1 gallon 1-2' plants for spring shipping.
China Fir is one of the most unusual conifers, with interesting cones. Its curved needles grow in parallel lines on each side of the branches. Each needle is sharply pointed. This form has bright green foliage, it's upright, pyramidal with pendulous branches. Grows to 75' tall and 30' wide.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Cunninghamia lanceolata plant

How to Grow Cunninghamia lanceolata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • green
    • chocolate
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved