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
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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
20'-50' / 6.1m - 15.2m
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Width
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m
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Native To
Japan
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
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
No
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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
Yes
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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
Feature Plant, 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