Hinoki Falsecypress

Common Name: 
Hinoki Falsecypress
Scientific Name Genus: 
Chamaecyparis
Family Name: 
Cupressaceae
Identification Notes
Best grown in full sun (will tolerate part shade). Prefers a moist well-drained soil; will do poorly in wet or poorly drained soils. Needs sheltered from wind. Dwarf cultivars are better suited for the home landscape.
Native Habitat
Japan
Growth Habit
The species is an evergreen conifer growing 50-75' tall and 10-20' wide. It has a conical form with pendulous branches.
Leaves
Dark green scale-like leaves with white marking beneath.
Two sizes
Chamaecyparis obtusa foliage
Bark and Stems
The red-brown bark is shredding.
Fruit
Small 8-scaled green-brown or orange brown cones.
Common Problems
No serious problems
Susceptibility to juniper blight, root rot, and bagworms.
Varieties or Cultivars
'Nana Gracilis' - most common cultivar. Slow growing to 6-8' high and 2-4' wide. Wavy sprays of dense dark green foliage.
'Filicodies' - slow growing open form growing to 20' tall. Fern-like foliage.
'Nana Lutea' - similar to 'Nana Gracilis' with golden yellow outer foliage and dark green inner foliage
Landscape Uses
Best used a specimen or foundation planting when dwarf forms are used. Dwarf cultivars are more commonly planted than the species.
dwarf hinoki cypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa