Cunninghamia is a genus of one or two species, native to eastern Asia. Though they are known in English by the uninspired name China-fir, they are obviously not a fir, and have been the subject of some taxonomic debate as to their relation to other conifers. Most sources place them in Cupressaceae, though they do not particularly resemble other members of that family. The number of species is also debated, with some sources merging the Taiwanese endemic C. konishii with the more widespread C. lanceolata.
In their native range, they can reach heights exceeding 150 feet, and are an important source of timber in China. Closer to home, they are somewhat popular among conifer enthusiasts in the Southeastern US, because they tolerate the heat and humidity of that climate better than most other conifers.
This tree is not common in California, and the ones I have seen do not always look very healthy. I watched a young tree in Land Park slowly die over the past few years, though there is a decently large one growing in Capitol Park. Given its popularity and availability from sources in the South, I think if it were well suited to our climate, it would have taken off more here. Sources are contradictory regarding its environmental needs--some say it requires consistent moisture, while others claim it is extremely drought tolerant. Which is it? Its rarity in the Western US makes me suspect drought tolerance may be the issue. I don't see a bright future for this tree in our area, though perhaps it could be an interesting project for a curious conifer-lover.
In their native range, they can reach heights exceeding 150 feet, and are an important source of timber in China. Closer to home, they are somewhat popular among conifer enthusiasts in the Southeastern US, because they tolerate the heat and humidity of that climate better than most other conifers.
This tree is not common in California, and the ones I have seen do not always look very healthy. I watched a young tree in Land Park slowly die over the past few years, though there is a decently large one growing in Capitol Park. Given its popularity and availability from sources in the South, I think if it were well suited to our climate, it would have taken off more here. Sources are contradictory regarding its environmental needs--some say it requires consistent moisture, while others claim it is extremely drought tolerant. Which is it? Its rarity in the Western US makes me suspect drought tolerance may be the issue. I don't see a bright future for this tree in our area, though perhaps it could be an interesting project for a curious conifer-lover.