Adress
Place des Arcades
Watermael-Boitsfort
GPS coordinates :
50.8098
, 4.3992
Scientific inventory
Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
French name :
Faux cyprès
Dutch name :
Schijncipres
English name :
Port Orford cedar, Lawson cypress
Family :
Cupressaceae
Height :
17 m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 60 m in its native region, 20–25 m in Belgium
Diameter of the crown :
5 m
Trunk circumference :
155 cm
Expected circumference :
/
Expected longevity :
Can live for 300–500 years
Origin / Indigenous
North America, north-eastern USA
Favorite soil :
Well-draining, humus-rich, non-chalky soil
Favorite climate
Coastal climate, humid and rather mild
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
++
Enhances the biodiversity :
++
Provide oxygen :
+
Purify the air :
+
Filter the water :
+
Prevents flooding :
Stores carbon :
++
Softens the climate :
+
Limits soil erosion :
++
Does good, heals :
+
Features and characters of the individual
It looks like a cypress, but it isn’t one. This has led its being called “Lawson’s cypress” (in English) and “faux cypress” (in French). If you’re waiting for the bus at Arcades, take the time to observe this tree and you will see how the overhead parts of the tree are related to their underground parts. Scan the tree from the top right down to its base. It looks like it’s missing half of its pyramid-shaped crown. If you continue to follow your eyes along the trunk, down to the base, you will see that the tree is growing on top of a wall. How did its creeping roots grow in the soil? False cypresses are often planted to decorate parks and walkways. Here, this isolated tree creates intrigue with its unusual shape. But it’s a nice case study to see the relationship between a trees roots and top.
