Chamaecyparis pisifera (Japanese Falsecypress)


Michael's Opinion

This plant may be considered a bit of a tramp in the landscape since it becomes haggard with age.

Botanical Information

FamilyCupressaceae
GenusChamaecyparis
Speciespisifera
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginNative to Japan.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone 3-9
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)Hardy up to 0 (C)
Temperature (°F)Hardy up to 0 (F)
Height16-23 m
Spread3-6 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLarge evergreen tree with straight trunk and open, narrow, pyramidal crown. Bark reddish-brown, fibrous, shreddy, peeling in long thin strips.
ID CharacteristicThe Japanese Falsecypress has white lines on the underside of its scales as well as exfoliating bark.
ShapeLarge, loosely pyramidical evergreen tree.
LandscapeIdeally used to the rear of a border as a backdrop to other plants. Since it is a large plant it best suited to park-like landscape.
PropagationStem cuttings.
CultivationPlant in full sun, water regularly but do not overwater. Plant in a moist, well drained soil; it will not tolerate wet feet.
PestsTip blight can be a problem in early stages of its growth.
HabitatNaturally occurs in Japan, prefers moist soil and full sun, drought tolerant.
Bark/Stem DescriptionReddish brown, exfoliates in long thin strips.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionPalm shaped, brown.
Leaf DescriptionDark green, scale like, sharp and overlapping.
Flower DescriptionMonoecious, not of ornamental importance.
Fruit DescriptionSmall cones with very few scales. Scales are soft to the touch. Cones can be clustered at shoot tips.
Colour DescriptionDark green, browns in winter. Red-brown bark.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs