| General Description | A slow growing and low growing dwarf conifer that is naturally pest resistant, this plant does well when it is protected from wind and desiccation. The twisted fans of dark green, scalelike foliage are contrasted with frosty undersides. |
| ID Characteristic | Low growing and multi-stemmed, this conifer has dense foliage that clumps along many twisted branches adding to the bonsai-like appearance. |
| Shape | An upright and conical, low growing dwarf that shows only 30 cm between the canopy and the ground. |
| Landscape | A unique and interesting accent plant or specimen, this dwarf conifer is easily trained as a bonsai. It can also be used as a small hedge or screen, in rock gardens or small spaces. |
| Propagation | Little information is given about the techniques used to propagate this conifer, although the similar Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Kosteri’ is propagated by softwood cuttings taken in June-September, or it is grafted by scion in January-March. |
| Cultivation | This dwarf will accept full sun to partial shade, and although it requires a well drained soil, it prefers moist conditions and should not be dried out. Protection from the wind must be provided along with a layer of mulch in preparation for winter. Pruning should also be done in the winter if needed, but may not always be necessary. |
| Pests | There are no significant pests or diseases for this dwarf, though it can easily dry out if not protected from the wind. Mulch for the winter months also helps prevent desiccation. |
| Notable Specimens | Whistling Gardens, Wilsonville, Ontario, Canada. |
| Bark/Stem Description | The bark is coarse, chestnut coloured, and holds no ornamental qualities. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | The buds are 1–3 mm in size and brown in colour. |
| Leaf Description | The foliage consists of many compact, scale-like fans that intertwine and create a matchless, sculpted appearance. |
| Flower Description | A conifer that rarely produces flowers, these rare sightings have been described as very tiny, singular, and have a subtle yellow colour. |
| Fruit Description | A rare finding on this dwarf conifer, though it has been observed bearing extremely small cones that appear as brown tips to the scale-like foliage. |
| Colour Description | The scale-like fans are dark green and have a silvery or whitish underside. Since the foliage swirls upon the contorted branches, the undersides are often shown and the dwarf is given a frosted look. Fans emerge as a light green in the spring and become bronze in fall, though the fall colour is not exceptional. |
| Texture Description | It is made up of very dense, scale-like foliage that gives a wavy, sculpted look. |
