China Cedar

From Bwf

China Cedar is an evergreen which is usually seen from 30 to 75 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 30 feet. The strong, heavy trunk stands straight up at the base of the coarse, irregular, pyramidal form which is composed of somewhat pendulous branches densely clothed in 1.5 to 2.5-inch-long, bright green, pointed needles. It is somewhat reminiscent of some of the spruces like Blue and White Spruce.

Known as Cunninghamia, it is sometimes called “China-fir” or “Chinese Cedar”, but it is neither a fir nor a cedar. Its name derives from its similarity to Western Red Cedar, which, by the way, is also not a true cedar. The genus name Cunninghamia honours Dr. James Cunningham, a British doctor who introduced this species into cultivation in 1702

China Cedar has a reputation for producing naturally durable heartwood. As a result, this material is being imported into the United States for use as decorative exterior applications where durability is desired. China Cedar is also classified as highly resistant to fungal attack, a classification that is similar to that given to its cousin, the western red cedar. Cunninghamia is largely plantation grown and greatly contributes to China’s number 1 ranking in the world for plantation forest area.

This is a prized timber tree in China, producing soft, highly durable scented wood similar to that of Coast Redwood and Sugi. It is used in particular for manufacture of coffins and in temple building where the scent is valued.. The timber is esteemed in China as being the most useful, after bamboo, for all kinds of woodwork.

The wood is pale yellow to white, density 0.4-0.5, soft but durable, easily worked, and resistant to insects and termites. It is used in house-building, for furniture, floor, panels, and packaging. It is suitable for reforestation and planting along the roads of mountainous provinces, in subtropical evergreen, coniferous and mixed broad-leaved forests. It is the most important fast-growing timber tree of the warm regions south of the Chang Jiang valley. The wood is strongly resistant to rot, is not eaten by termites, and is easily worked; it is used in constructing buildings, bridges, ships, and lamp posts, in furniture manufacture, and for wood fiber.

Wood - light, fragrant, durable but rots easily if it is continually wet, easily worked, resists insects damage. Used in construction, ship building etc wherever great strength is required.

• Warm light grain reddish hues
• Highly Termite & Insect Resistant
• Very Durable & Stable
• Lightweight-Easy to work with
• Accepts a wide range of stains and other coatings

Exceptional Durability & Long Life More importantly, Cunninghamia, as tested by the Department of Forest Products at Oregon State University,is proven to be as rot, termite and fungal decay resistant as the other durable softwoods such as Western Red Cedar, Redwood, Incence Cedar and Northern White Cedar

   * Decorative Mouldings
   * Fencing-Pickets & Backers
   * Decking
   * Outdoor Furniture Components
   * Custom-Drying, Staining & Drilling

The fast growth and desirable wood properties make it an important timber species and in China it accounts for 20-30% of the total commercial timber production. The wood has straight grain, uniform texture and only minor differences between early and late wood. It is used for house construction, poles, fences, boats, vehicles, building and furniture. The bark is used for tannin, paper and textiles and the branches for extracting an oil used in the perfume industry.