In its native range this deciduous conifer, also called Chinese Water Pine, is Critically Endangered. It was famously once misidentified by a plant-hunter, masking the true identity of the living-fossil Dawn Redwood. It typically grows on low-lying, seasonally or permanently flooded riparian sites, where it can form pure swamp forest.
Native to China (Guangzhou), Laos, and Vietnam, where true wild populations are thought to number only than a few hundred specimens.
Monoecious, deciduous conifer.
Rare even in cultivation, growing 20-30m, with a slender conical crown and often short root ‘knees’ (pneumatophores). Bark dark brown, peeling, longitudinally fissured. Foliage feathery, bright green, turning orange-brown before falling, with alternate shoots and buds. Needle form varies: deciduous needles like Dawn Redwood and Swamp Cypress, and awl-like needles on permanent shoots like Japanese Red Cedar. Female cones 15-25mm, pear-shaped, solitary, green to yellow-brown.
Grows best in warm, humid climates (cold-hardy to -10°C) so most suitable in mild, western areas of north-west Europe, ideally where waterlogged but will tolerate drier sites. shade-tolerant when young but generally prefers full sun.
No notable associations where introduced.
Loss of natural stands to agriculture, drainage of waterlogged soils, and illegal logging.
Its timber is highly valued for its durability, used for roof shingles, and in boat-building. Traditionally, the species was thought to bring good luck, with seedlings offered as a gift.
