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Hinoki Falsecypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa

Cupressaceae · coniferous tree · introduced

Last updated

Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Site Data
Threats
Cultivars
Phenology
GDD Thresholds
Puget Sound

Hinoki falsecypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa, Cupressaceae) is a conifer from Japan, reaching 70 feet in cultivation (up to 120 feet in native habitat). It develops reddish-brown, soft stringy bark and horizontal spreading branches bearing glossy dark green scale-like leaves (lighter below) in attractive sprays. Small globose cones are about 1 centimeter in diameter.

Hinoki falsecypress grows best in full sun on moist, fertile, well-drained soil, sheltered from wind, hardy in Zones 4a to 8b. Water needs are moderate. Documented diseases include root rot, Seiridium canker, and Stigmina blight. The species is exceptionally rich in cultivars, with 14 documented selections ranging from very dwarf forms like 'Elf' and 'Repens' to larger specimens like 'Gracilis' (20 feet) and 'Compacta' (25 feet). Notable dwarf forms include 'Nana Gracilis' (6 feet), 'Kosteri' (4 feet), 'Fernspray Gold' (6 feet), and 'Nana Lutea' (1 to 5 feet).

Quick Facts

Height
70 ft
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 4a–8b
Bloom Time
Non-flowering

Diseases (3)

Cultivars (14)

'Compacta'
Common name: Compacta Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 25 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Confucius'
Common name: Confucius Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 8–10 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Elf'
Common name: Elf Hinoki Falsecypress
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Fernspray Gold'
Common name: Fernspray Gold Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 6 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Gracilis'
Common name: Slender Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 20 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 4
'Hage'
Common name: Hage Hinoki Falsecypress
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Kosteri'
Common name: Kosteri Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 4 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Nana Gracilis'
Common name: Nana Gracilis Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 6 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Nana Lutea'
Common name: Nana Lutea Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 1–5 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Repens'
Common name: Repens Hinoki Falsecypress
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Snowflake'
Common name: Snowflake Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 6 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Snowkist'
Common name: Snowkist Hinoki Falsecypress
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Templehof'
Common name: Templehof Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 8–10 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Torulosa'
Common name: Torulosa Hinoki Falsecypress; Mature height: 10–12 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5