False Cypress ‘Ellwoodii’ – Compact Lawson Cypress, Mini Christmas Tree Plant

Elevate Your Space with the False Cypress ‘Ellwoodii’

Add a refined touch of greenery to your home or office with the charming Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwoodii’, commonly known as False Cypress. This compact conifer features soft, feathery foliage in rich tones of deep green with subtle blue highlights. Its naturally upright, narrow growth habit makes it an elegant choice for desks, shelves, and small spaces. With its slow growth rate and minimal care requirements, the False Cypress ‘Ellwoodii’ is equally suited for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.

False Cypress Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Ellwoodii’
• Pronunciation: kam-e-SIP-a-ris law-so-ni-AN-a
• Common Name(s): False Cypress, Lawson Cypress
• Family: Cupressaceae
• Native Range: Western United States (Oregon & Northern California)

How to Care for False Cypress

• Care Level: Easy
• Light: Prefers bright light; thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Water: Water thoroughly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid prolonged dryness.
• Humidity: Tolerant of average household humidity.
• Temperature: Performs best between 50–80°F.
• Pruning: Lightly prune to maintain shape and remove any brown or spent foliage.
• Feeding: Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer.
• Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Growth Habit: Upright, columnar form.
• Common Pests: Generally pest resistant.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans.

Fun Fact: The Mini Christmas Tree for Your Desk

The False Cypress ‘Ellwoodii’ is affectionately called a “mini Christmas tree” thanks to its naturally triangular form and evergreen foliage. It makes a festive, low-maintenance addition to your holiday décor while staying beautiful year-round.

A Brief History of the False Cypress

Discovered in the wilds of Oregon and Northern California, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana has been cultivated since the 19th century for its resilience and ornamental value. Its ability to adapt to different climates, maintain a neat shape with minimal pruning, and provide year-round greenery has made it a popular choice in gardens and interiors worldwide. The ‘Ellwoodii’ cultivar remains especially beloved for its compact, decorative growth habit.