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CHAMAECYPARIS obtusa

Image of Chamaecyparis obtusa

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Cupressaceae

Botanical Name

CHAMAECYPARIS obtusa

Plant Common Name

Hinoki Falsecypress

General Description

A sacred tree in its native Japan, this coniferous evergreen forms a handsome broadly conical specimen with dark green scale-like leaves and flat fan-like branch tips. The foliage has white bands underneath. Leaves on young plants and some cultivars are small and needle-like. Large specimens have handsome reddish-brown bark that exfoliates in narrow strips. The small globular cones are green maturing to reddish brown. Many cultivars are available, including dwarf, prostrate, variegated, and gold-leaved selections.

Hinoki falsecypress does well in sun to partial shade and moist, well drained, acid soil. Use it as a garden feature, or in the rock garden, foundation planting, or mixed border.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A3, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    1'-75' / 0.3m - 22.9m (70)

  • Width

    1'-20' / 0.3m - 6.1m (20)

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sienna

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No