Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese fir)

Botanical name

Cunninghamia lanceolata

Other names

Chinese fir, Cunninghamia sinensis, Cunninghamia unicaniculata

Genus

Cunninghamia Cunninghamia

Species

C. lanceolata - C. lanceolata is a large, narrowly upright to conical, coniferous, evergreen tree bearing reddish-brown bark, two-ranked, glossy, lance-shaped, dark green leaves with two white bands beneath, and spherical green-brown female cones.

Native to

China

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Conical, Narrowly conical, Upright

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Colour

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Little or no pruning required. Will tolerate coppicing. Can be grown as a multi-stemmed tree or cut back in spring and train the strongest emerging shoot at the central leader.

Propagation methods

Seed, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese fir) will reach a height of 20m and a spread of 8m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light, dappled shade. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Prefers a moist climate as old leaves will turn brown in drier conditions. Tends to grow multiple trunks with maturity.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese fir)

Common pest name

Cypress twig; borer

Scientific pest name

Argyresthia cupressella

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Has spread following introduction; little evidence of significant damage. Stakeholder groups may wish to monitor.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese fir)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/