Some characteristics to assist in separating Alaska Cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis) and Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) using a low power microscope.
Separating Alaska Cedar and Port Orford Cedar
|
Character |
C. nootkatensis (Alaska Cedar) |
C. lawsoniana (Port Orford Cedar) |
|
Seam where lateral leaves meet |
Usually not visible |
Usually visible |
|
Resin glands (using back lighting) |
Not obvious |
Very obvious, spot on each facial leaf |
|
Leaf tips |
Spread away from twig, sharp pointed |
Pressed close to twig, may not be sharp |
|
Leaves keeled |
Sharply |
Not sharply |
|
White markings |
Lacking |
Visible on lower surface |
|
Cone |
Each scale with hook-like, protruding, erect tip |
Each scale with compressed a tip |
|
Twigs |
More or less 4-sided |
More or less flattened |
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