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CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Filifera'

Image of Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera'

Jessie Keith

Family

Cupressaceae

Botanical Name

CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Filifera'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Falsecypress, Sawara Falsecypress

General Description

Represented in gardens primarily by three large groups of cultivars, Sawara falsecypress is a hardy evergreen conifer native to Japan. The clasping scale-like leaves and lacy cascading tassel-like branchlets of 'Filifera' define the cultivar group that bears its name. Introduced to Western gardens in 1861, this fine cultivar eventually forms a large pyramidal shrub or small tree. Mature specimens display handsome orange-brown flaking bark. The spherical pea-sized cones are green maturing to brown.

Sun-loving and easy to grow, this cultivar thrives in moist, slightly acid, organic-rich, well-drained soil. It prefers cool humid environments and should be protected from harsh drying winds. It makes a splendid feature or screening plant for spaces that will accommodate its considerable size.

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

    20'-50' / 6.1m - 15.2m

  • Width

    10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m

  • 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

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sienna

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

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

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No