Port Orford Cedar

Port Orford cedar is the tallest member of the cypress family, reaching 150 feet with a narrow, pyramidal crown and flattened, feathery twigs that give it an elegant, lacey appearance. Native to a small range in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, it is prized for its aromatic, rot-resistant wood and its many ornamental cultivars. You recognize the wild tree by its silvery-brown furrowed bark and delicate foliage arranged in horizontal sprays.

Port Orford cedar thrives in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to part shade; shelter it from strong winds. In Puget Sound gardens, success depends on good drainage and air circulation. The critical threat is Phytophthora lateralis (root rot), which can kill trees in poorly drained soils; use resistant cultivars on marginal sites. The species also suffers from foliage diseases in wet climates. Plant on slopes with reliable drainage, provide 2-4 inches of mulch, and avoid overhead irrigation on susceptible cultivars.