Chamaecyparis

( kam - ee - SIP - ah - russ )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Cypress or False Cypress, this genus of medium to large evergreen shrubs and trees needs full sun to partial shade and regular water. These Japanese and American trees, historically used for timber production, have been miniaturized to fit better into home gardens. Foliage is typically dense and textured, maturing from needlelike leaves to overlapping foliage that produces cones. Use False Cypress as a hedge plant, to cover foundations, or as a specimen in the landscape. Take care when planting these trees in the landscape, as they produce large amounts of pollen and can be a major cause of hay fever.

chamaecyparis Species and Varietals

The genus Chamaecyparis includes 6 species and is a member of the plant family Cupressaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek khamai (meaning 'on the earth') and kuparissos (meaning 'cypress'). The best growing zones for False Cypress vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Chamaecyparis formosensis (Formosan Cypress, Taiwan Cypress, Taiwan Red Cypress, Hong Kuai)
This species is endemic to Taiwan, where it grows in the central mountains at moderate to high altitudes and is considered endangered. This species is threatened by habitat loss and over-harvesting of its wood for its valuable, fragrant timber. These are slow-growing coniferous trees with red-brown bark and green foliage. Formosan Cypress reaches between 180 and 200 feet tall and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Chamaecyparis lawsonia (Port Orford Cedar, Lawson Cypress, Lawson's Cypress, Port Orford False Cypress, Oregon Cedar)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones A3, 3-6 and 15-17 and reaches 200 feet in its natural habitat (in gardens it tops out around 60 feet). Foliage is graceful and drooping. Although this species was once widely attacked by the disease Phytophthora lateralis, it has been revived through the creation of new hybrids that are disease-resistant. These new varieties are listed and described below:
'Blue Surprise'
6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, this variety has silver-blue new foliage.
'Golden King'
40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with golden-yellow foliage.
'Silberstar'
40 feet tall and half as wide, this variety has silvery-blue foliage.
'Yvonne'
20 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with golden-tipped green foliage.
Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki False Cypress, Japanese Cypress, Hinoki)
This species of False Cypress grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones A3, 2b-6 and 15-17, and is native to Japan. These are very slow-growing trees that eventually reach upwards of 115 feet tall with trunks up to three and a half feet in diameter. This species is sometimes sold around the holiday season as bonsai plants; they can live indoors for a short amount of time. There are many forms (upwards of over 200 cultivars) of this species, including dwarf varieties.
'Aurea'
Full-sized tree with gold-yellow new foliage. To 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide.
'Chirimen'
Clusters of upright shoots with foliage in shades of blue and green. 4 feet tall and half as wide.
'Confucius'
Rounded form to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Foliage is yellow, gold, and rich green.
'Dwarf Hinoki Cypress' ('Nana')
Small, upright, rounded form with dense foliage. Good for bonsai or small gardens. T0 2 feet tall and wide.
'Fernspray Gold'
With golden new growth that tapers to a point. To 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Needs plenty of moisture.
'Filicoides'
Ferny foliage on a 10 foot tall pyramid-shaped tree.
'Gracilis'
Slender tree with an upright habit that reaches 20 feet tall or more.
'Hage'
Dense, globe or irregular form; very slow growing. To 0.5-1 foot tall at maturity.
'Kosteri'
Slow-growing, compact to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Feathery, twisting foliage with hints of bronze in winter.
'Nana Gracilis'
A miniature tree topping out around 4 feet tall.
'Nana Lutea'
4 feet tall with golden-tipped foliage.
'Pygmaea Aurescens'
2.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with fanning foliage that has brilliant copper to orange fall color.
Chamaecyparis pisifera (Sawara False Cypress, Sawara)
This island native of Japan grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 or Sunset growing zones A3, 2b-6 and 15-17 and reaches about 20-30 feet tall when mature. The specific epithet pisifera (meaning 'pea-bearing') refers to the small round green cones produced by the species. The species is rarely seen in its native habitat, though its varieties are popular garden favorites; listed below:
'Cyano-Viridis' ('Boulevard')
Dense growth to 6-8 feet tall and wide with blue-green foliage.
'Filifera'
Forms a dense mound to 8 feet tall with drooping branches.
'Filifera Aurea'
Similar branch structure to 'Filifera', but with yellow branchlets.
'Mops'
Threadlike branchlets on a 1-2 foot tall, mounded shrub.
'Plumosa Compressa'
To 35 inches tall, with soft mossy foliage on younger plants.
'Sungold'
These rounded shrubs reach about 10 feet tall and wide, and have lime green foliage.

Chamaecyparis taiwanensis (Taiwan Cypress, Hinoki False Cypress)
These trees are native to the mountains of Taiwan, and are slow-growing, reaching 130 feet at maturity. In gardens, they typically top out between 50-75 feet tall. Bark is reddish-brown and foliage is green. Taiwan Cypress grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and is cold hardy to 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

​Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar, Southern White Cedar, Whitecedar, Swamp Cedar, White Cypress)
This species grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunsetg rowing zones 1-6 and 15-17. This native to the Eastern United States is a timber tree that has been used to develop many varieties of garden-sized False Cypress plants. Cultivars include 'Andelyensis' (a columnar grey-green shrub that reaches 10 feet tall) and 'Heather Bun' (pictured; with leaves that change to a purple color in wintertime).

Caring for Chamaecyparis

Take care when planting these trees in the landscape, as they produce large amounts of pollen and can be a major cause of hay fever. Plant False Cypress in a place in the yard that gets full sun to partial shade. These trees do best when they get between 4 and 6 hours of direct sun each day. This will be sufficient to promote optimal growth. In very hot climates, provide these trees (especially younger ones) with some afternoon shade to prevent foliage from getting scorched by the sun. If creating a hedge, space plants between 4 and 6 feet apart. These trees prefer soils that are slightly acidic (with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.5) and well-draining. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey, but do not do well in waterlogged soil. If soil is particularly heavy or does not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic material (such as compost) before installing. Apply a thick layer (2-3 inches) of mulch to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain constant soil temperature. Young plants should be watered regularly, especially during the first few years after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during this time to support the tree forming a strong root system. Mature trees are considered somewhat drought-tolerant, but they still prefer soil to be consistently moist. In hot and dry conditions in summer, water established trees deeply and regularly. Cultivars with colorful foliage will be more fully colored when they receive adequate water.

Minimal pruning is needed for these trees; they will naturally form a pyramid-like shape with graceful branches. Simple pruning to clean up shape, remove dead or diseased foliage and branches, and to control size. Pruning is best done in late winter or early springtime, when these trees are actively pushing out new growth. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall, because this may encourage a flush of new growth late in the season that is vulnerable to frost damage. For hedge plants, regular trimming can help maintain desired shape and size. These trees do not need to be fertilized much; annually in early springtime, simply apply a layer of compost around the base of the tree and work it a bit into the soil. Younger trees will need extra mulch or windbreaks to protect them from extreme cold in the northern parts of their growing zones. Chamaecyparis are considered long-lived trees and shrubs, though their life span varies depending on the species and cultivar grown. In general, dwarf or compact plants will live for a few decades and full-size trees will survive for centuries in the landscape before needing to be replaced if cared for properly.

Propagation

Chamaecyparis can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Chamaecyparis by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-6 inch semi-ripe portion(s) of the end of a branch and strip the foliage off of the lower two inches. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots. 
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Chamaecyparis by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on Caesalpinia plants are pretty easy to spot, they're large and dangle from the branches, left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will begin to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
  3. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 3 months from sowing (though it can take as long as two years depending on the conditions, so be patient).
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
False Cypress produces small round female cones that mature between fall and winter in most species. Each cone can contain between 7 and 32 seeds each.
Chamaecyparis seeds are small, lenticular (lens-shaped), and have two equal wings that run the length of the body.

Problems and Pests

These trees are relatively free from pest and disease issues, through they do at times suffer from issues with:
  • Spider Mites
  • Bagworms
  • Aphids
  • Root Rot
  • Canker
  • Blight
For more information on these plant pests and issues, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Male cones produced by False Cypress trees are smaller than the female cones, and appear at the end of leaflets.
This Lawson Cypress makes a statement with its pendulous foliage.
Compact varieties of certain species are standouts in mixed beds.
This Chamaecyparis pisifera tree's size makes it a standout in the landscape.
Most species will naturally form a handsome pyramid shape.
False Cypress are commonly used as hedge plants or privacy screening.

Videos

Lear all about Port Orford Cedar.

Resources

False-Cypress: Pruning, Winter Care and Fertilizing
Chamaecyparis: How to Grow False Cypress
Wikipedia: Chamaecyparis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 234 - 235, Chamaecyparis