Mark A. Miller
Family
Cupressaceae
Botanical Name
CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Sungold'
Plant Common Name
Japanese Falsecypress, Sungold Threadleaf 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 'Sungold' mark it as a member of the Filifera Group. Similar to but more sun tolerant than C. pisifera 'Filifera Aurea', it slowly forms an arching, rounded, medium-sized shrub. The pea-sized spherical cones appear only on mature specimens.
This cultivar thrives in light shade and moist, slightly acid, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Its foliage may scorch in hot sun. It prefers cool humid environments and should be protected from harsh drying winds. Use this colorful and textural shrub in the mixed border or foundation planting, as an individual specimen, or in combination with other small to medium shrubs such as heaths and heathers.
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, Partial Shade
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Height
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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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)
Yellow Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Yellow Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Yellow Green, Gold
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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
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, 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