Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese Fir)

Michael's Opinion

This large tree can add "bulk" to a new landscape and provide a handsome background for flowering trees and shrubs. Unfortunately, if the climate reaches -25°C, needles on the tips of the branches die and fall off, eventually growing back however, it can produce a ragged looking tree throughout the winter months.

Botanical Information

FamilyTaxodiaceae
GenusCunninghamia
Specieslanceolata
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen)
ReferencesHooker, Lambert, and . "Decay resistance of China-fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata). 56". Madison: Forest Products Society, 2006. 29-30. Print. Wang, Zhan. "Proteomic Analysis of Seed Development in Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)". Russia: Pleiades Publishing, Ltd, 2010. 1-2. Print
OriginChina, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7 - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-23) - (-4)
Temperature (°F)(-10) - 25
Height40-45 m
Spread3-10 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMarch, April, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThe Chinese Fir is a large evergreen reaching upwards of 45 m. The medium green leaves are spirally arranged and have a slight curl. As the tree matures, the branches begin to thin out but with its weeping branches it maintains its dense appearance.
ID CharacteristicThis is a large tree with weeping branches. A lush green all year, occasionally loosing leaves with colder weather.
ShapePyramidal with pendulous branching.
PropagationTake a cuttings that are roughly 15-30 cm long. Rooting in November with a hormone treatment above 8,000 ppm is recommended. Cuttings generally retain the growth characteristics of the branch from which they came from (called topophysis). If taken from a wide branch, likely to form more widespread however, if taken from a top branch the cutting will likely grow more pyramidal.
CultivationPrefers neutral to acidic pH, and moist, well-drained loamy or sandy soils.
Notable SpecimensSecrest Arboretum, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. Pinetum Park and Pine Lodge Gardens, Cornwall, England. National Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, England.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is a grey-brown with irregular strips which peel off exposing the red inner bark. A medium texture, not smooth nor rough. The heartwood is quite decay resistant, making it excellent for lumber.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionHoney comb look, with over lapping scales, quite small, 0.5-1 cm and a light brown colour.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are 2.5-7 cm long and are quite thin, only 2-4 mm. Bright green and often have a glaucous tinge. In colder weather they can turn a brown/green and fall off. The leaves on the underside of the branch have a slight turn upwards giving the illusion that they spiral.
Flower DescriptionChinese Fir is monoecious, producing both male and female flowers on the same tree. The male flowers are in terminal clusters; female flowers are terminal.
Fruit Description2.5-3.5 cm wide globose shape, the cones are in groups, rarely isolated, starting off green then turning a light brown.
Colour DescriptionThe tree maintains the bright/medium green leaves all year round. The bark is a lighter brown, almost grey.
Texture DescriptionFine to medium texture.

Photographs