Chinese Cedar: (Cunninghamia Lanceolata)

Billed sometimes as Chinese cedar or Chinese fir, the tree known as Cunninghamia lanceolata is, in fact, neither. Cunninghamia is a sweetly scented cypress that's been harvested in southeastern Asia for more than 800 years and is prized because it naturally repels pests, fungus and rot. It is a close cousin to the popular western red cedar, which also isn't a true cedar. Cunninghamia is used indoors and out the world over where durability is critical, from fencing, decking and trim boards to building ships and homes. Read on for more information about this versatile, time-tested wood product.

What exactly is Cunninghamia?

Cunninghamia is a unique type of evergreen that grows to average heights of 30 to 75 feet. It is often referred to as Chinese cedar or Chinese fir by the North American lumber industry because, like cedar, it is exceptionally resistant to decay and pest infestations, yet it shares the grain and texture qualities of Douglas fir. The Chinese word for Cunninghamia is shanmu. The written character for shan is a combination of the symbols for "tree" and "ornament," while mu simply means tree.

Where does Cunninghamia come from?

The name Cunninghamia recognizes British doctor James Cunningham, who in the early 18th Century became the first known westerner to cultivate the tree. In fact, Cunninghamia's history stretches much further back than that. It has been grown and harvested in Asia for at least 800 years, since the Yuan dynasty, and probably for much longer. Cunninghamia grows in China, Vietnam, Laos and possibly parts of Cambodia, and it has been planted as far away as Japan and South America. After bamboo, it is widely regarded as the most important wood product in Asia.

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