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Family: Cupressaceae
Native to: southwest Oregon and northern California
Dimensions: tree to 60 - 100' tall, 20 - 30' spread
Cold resistance: hardy to at least -20°F
Drought resistance: moderate, usually fine west of the Cascades, but not adapted to the desert
Key Features: large conifer with blue color, dense growth habit
Uses: specimen tree, screening, very tall hedge (narrower more appealing substitute for leyland cypress), coastal plantings
Description:
One of the Northwest's most special native conifers, this large tree has a restricted distribution in nature, in southwest Oregon and northern California. Although it is very hardy and not difficult to grow, it remains surprisingly hard to find in nurseries; other than dwarf cultivars, which are quite numerous. It makes a great hedge or even a focal point in the garden as the blue color is beautiful. Port Orford Cedar needs average to good drainage and mulch, as it sometimes has problems on heavy soils. It should be in at least half sun for the best color, and is excellent for coastal gardens.
Port Orford cedar is not a suitable species for hot urban settings or confined spaces. Our plants our grown on their own roots, which is not ideal for disease resistance in hot climates; but presents no issues for local use, as evidenced by numerous healthy trees all around the north Olympic Peninsula.
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