Cunninghamia lanceolata
Common name: 
China-fir
Chinese-fir
Pronunciation: 
kun-ing-HAM-i-a lan-see-o-LA-ta
Family: 
Cupressaceae, Taxodiaceae
Genus: 
Cunninghamia
Type: 
Conifer
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Conifer, evergreen tree, 50-80 ft (15-25 m) tall in landscapes, may reach 150 ft (50 m) tall in native range, conical or pyramidal in shape.  Often multitrunked, bark color ranges from dark gray to reddish brown, longitudinal fissures, cracking into irregular flakes revealing an aromatic, yellowish or reddish inner bark.  Branches spreading, pendulous at the ends.  Leaves (needles) stiff, narrowly linear-lanceolate, closely and spirally arranged but appearing as if 2 ranked, 3-7 cm long and 1.5-5 mm wide, widest at base, curving backwards, apex a long slender point (sharp!), margin finely toothed, glossy deep green above (may turn reddish-bronze in winter), stomatal bands present on both surfaces; dead leaves may remain attached for years.  Seed (female) cones terminal, 1-4 together, green at pollination, later reddish-brown and becoming ovoid, 1.8-4.5 cm long and 1.2-4 cm wide, 3 dark brown seeds per scale.
  • Sun, but best with some shade.  Protect from hot, dry winds in summer and cold winds in winter.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone (6)7         Native to central and southern China.  Introduced from Canton, China to Kew, England by W. Kerr in 1804.
  • The cultivar 'Glauca' has bluish foliage.
  • lanceolata: lanceolate, spear-shaped, narrow shape with curved sides tapering to a point.
  • Corvallis: southwest corner of Buchanan Ave. and 9th St.
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  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • foliage and cones

    foliage and cones

  • branchlets

    branchlets

  • leaves (needles)

    leaves (needles)

  • leaves and male cones at pollination

    leaves and male cones at pollination

  • leaves and seed cones

    leaves and seed cones

  • trunks, bark

    trunks, bark