China fir Cunninghamia lanceolata
China fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cupressaceae family, native to Southern China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam and Laos. It grows 15–30 m (49–98 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan China fir in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
China fir at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 m (49–98 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam and Laos |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is China fir toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the stiff, sharp-pointed needles prick.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with China fir
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about China fir
- How far apart should I plant China fir?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
- Does China fir need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does China fir need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is China fir?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- Is China fir poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the stiff, sharp-pointed needles prick.
- What grows well with China fir?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for China fir. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- China’s most important timber tree, grown in vast plantations; resprouts from the stump. Glossy, sharp, lance-shaped needles in two ranks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
- Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis