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
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
A3, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
1'-75' / 0.3m - 22.9m (70)
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Width
1'-20' / 0.3m - 6.1m (20)
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Native To
Japan
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Sienna
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No