Chamaecyparis obtusa

Hinoki Falsecypress
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size 50-75' tall and 10-20' wide in the landscape, larger in optimal conditions in its native habitat. A tall, pyramidal tree with spreading branches, and broad frond-like drooping branchlets, tops decurving. Medium growth rate: 1-2' per year, 25' in 20 years.

Native Range

Species native to Japan and Taiwan. Introduced 1861.

Flower and Fruit Details

Monoecious flowers, staminate yellow, pistillate solitary. Fruit in short-stalked cones, solitary, globose, 0.33" across, 8 orange-brown scales. Scales are depressed on the back and with a small point, 2-5 seeds on each scale, with narrow membranous wings.

Leaf and Bark Features

Closely pressed leaves in 2 sizes: the lateral pairs are larger and boat-shaped, the smaller pairs are triangular. all are dark green above and prominently lined with wax x-shaped markings beneath. Reddish-brown bark, shed in long narrow strips.

Culture and Care

Container grown plants are easier to transplant. Prefers a moist, well-drained, neutral, soil and a moderately humid atmosphere in a sunny area, protected from wind. Zones 5-8. No serious diseases.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Most cultivars of this species are probably the best suited among the Chamaecyparis genus for landscape use.

Suggested Uses

Use as a specimen, or utilize the dwarf forms in rock gardens.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Aurea' // Golden Hinoki Falsecypress
    Tree. 'Aurea' is one of the oldest cultivars still in the trade: a standard-sized Hinoki cypress, with golden yellow open fans of foliage, while the interior is darker green. Foliage is a rich golden yellow, changing to green within plant.
    BT005512 - BT005514 - BT005518 - BT005526

  • Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Confucius' // Confucius (Yellow) Hinoki Falsecypress
    Tree.
    BT001881

  • Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold' // Fernspray Gold Hinoki Falsecypress
    Tree.
    BT002042

  • Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Filicoides' // Fernspray Hinoki Falsecypress
    Tree. A bush or small tree of open, irregular habit, to 20' or higher. Branches are long and straggly, clothed with dense pendulous clusters of green foliage.
    BT008548

  • Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' // Nana Gracilis Hinoki Falsecypress
    Shrub. Grows to 6' tall and 3-4' wide, slow growth rate. A pyramidal bush with thick dark green foliage.
    Bed 18

  • Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tetragona Aurea' // Tetragona Aurea Hinoki Falsecypress
    Tree. Grows to 5' tall and 3' wide, slow growth rate. Upright pyramidal form, branches are irregularly arranged, ascending to outspreading. Resistant to sunburn.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Torulosa' // Torulosa Hinoki Falsecypress
    Shrub. Semi-dwarf selection, to only 10-12 ft in 10 years. Green twisted and flattened (or "tortured") branches. Hardy to Zone 5.
    BS009049