How to Grow Port Orford Cedar
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Port Orford Cedar
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
treePort Orford Cedar is a tall, narrow evergreen conifer native to southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, prized for its graceful form, aromatic foliage, and valuable timber. It can reach 150-200 feet in its native habitat but typically grows 40-60 feet in cultivation. The tree produces small cones and soft, feathery foliage in shades of green, blue, or gold depending on the cultivar.
When should you plant Port Orford Cedar in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Port Orford Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Port Orford Cedar
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Port Orford Cedar
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Port Orford Cedar dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9a, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Port Orford Cedar timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Young Transplant
First 1-2 yearsSmall tree with soft, fine foliage and delicate branching structure
Protect from harsh winds and intense afternoon sun; maintain consistent moisture; stake if necessary in windy locations
Establishment
Years 2-5Tree becomes more robust with fuller canopy development; growth rate increases
Continue regular watering; reduce staking support; begin light pruning to shape if desired
Mature Growth
Years 5-20+Tree reaches desired ornamental size with dense, graceful foliage; develops characteristic narrow columnar or pyramidal form
Minimal watering needed once established (except during drought); prune only to remove dead or diseased branches; monitor for pests and disease
Reproductive
10+ years onwardTree produces small, pendulous cones and can reach full height potential
No special care required; cones are ornamental and attract wildlife
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant in well-draining soil; avoid waterlogged conditions; ensure proper air circulation; use disease-resistant cultivars when available; sanitize tools and footwear to prevent spread
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Prune out infected branches; improve air circulation; avoid wounding; remove entire tree if severely infected
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Monitor foliage; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if infestation is severe
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Prune infested branches; apply horticultural oil spray during dormant season or active growth as needed
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Install tree guards; apply deer repellent sprays; consider fencing in high-deer-pressure areas
Uses
Ornamental Landscape Tree
HouseholdPort Orford Cedar serves as an attractive specimen tree for formal gardens, windbreaks, and landscape focal points. Its narrow, columnar form makes it ideal for tight spaces while providing year-round evergreen interest. [source]
Aromatic Wood & Timber
HouseholdThe wood is highly aromatic with a pleasant, distinctive scent and is naturally decay-resistant. Historically harvested for lumber, furniture, and specialty applications valuing its durability and fragrance. [source]
Floral & Foliage Arrangements
CraftThe soft, feathery foliage and graceful sprays make excellent additions to fresh or dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and holiday decorations. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food
WildlifeThe dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small mammals, while cones are foraged by wildlife. The tree supports a diverse ecosystem in native and cultivated settings. [source]
Culinary Flavoring
CulinaryFresh foliage can be used to infuse teas, broths, and other culinary preparations with its distinctive, pleasant cedar-like flavor profile. [source]
Harvest Tips
Port Orford Cedar is not harvested in typical home gardens. Wood is commercially harvested for timber and is valued for its aromatic, decay-resistant properties. Foliage can be cut for ornamental arrangements or floral crafts while maintaining tree health.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Port Orford Cedar is native to a very small region (roughly 300 square miles) in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, making it one of North America's rarest native conifers.
- 🌱 The wood is naturally aromatic due to the presence of essential oils and is so decay-resistant that it remains sound for centuries even without chemical treatment.
- 🌱 A catastrophic root pathogen (Phytophthora lateralis) discovered in the 1920s has devastated wild populations, making disease management critical for cultivation and conservation efforts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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