Chamaecyparis Obtusa seeds
Habitat
native to Japan
zone 5
Habit and Form
evergreen with a narrow conical shape
spreading branches are pendulous
50′ to 75′ in the landscape; 120′ tall in the wild
10′ to 20′ wide
medium growth rate
medium texture
Summer Foliage
appressed scale leaves of two varying sizes
the larger scale pair are boat-like with the smaller pair similar to a triangle
white X-like lines on underside
dark green color
Autumn Foliage
no autumn color
tends to brown in winter
Flowers
not of ornamental importance
monoecious
Fruit
small cones, with only 8 scales
found on short stalks
orange brown in color
Bark
shredding red-brown bark
Culture
moist, loamy soil
needs a well-drained site
best in full sun; tolerates light shade
Landscape Use
mass plantings
specimen
dwarf forms used in rock gardens
foundation planting
Liabilities
does not do well in alkaline soil
does not transplant well
ID Features
scale like leaves
white X-like lines on underside of scales
two scale leaf sizes
shredding bark
Propagation
by cuttings
Cultivars/Varieties
‘Crippsii’, ‘Fernspray Gold’ and ‘Gracilis Aurea’ – These forms are among the most common nursery selections with growth that is yellow or tipped yellow.
‘Nana Gracilis’- The most common form of the species, very common in the trade and in gardens. Foliage is thick, dark green in color and arranged on “wavy” branches. Commonly used as a specimen or foundation planting. The habit is broad and conical, growing slowly to 6′-8′. The growth form may revert.
{ 0 comments… add one now }