Hinoki Cypress

(Chamaecyparis obtusa)

Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)

Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

Recorded By:

Copyright Notice: Photo by: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nova | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Chamaecyparis_obtusa_'Aurea'_Cyprysik_japoński_2019-10-26_03.jpg | Notes: [[Salix alba]] leaves - photo ~~~ |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Chamaecyparis obtusa, commonly known as Hinoki Cypress, is an evergreen tree native to the moist, well-drained soils of mountainous regions in Japan and Taiwan. It can reach up to 35 meters (115 feet) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in its natural habitat. The bark is dark red-brown, which peels off in strips, adding to its ornamental value. The tree’s dense foliage, which can be rich green or golden depending on the cultivar, is composed of flattened sprays. It produces small, spherical cones. Hinoki Cypress is particularly noted for its graceful, pyramidal form and the texture of its foliage.

This species is valued for its slow growth rate, making it suitable for smaller gardens and urban landscapes. It is also prized for its aromatic wood and resistance to rot, making it a popular choice for construction, particularly in Japan. In cultivation, it is used for specimen planting, as a privacy screen, and in rock gardens. The numerous cultivars offer a range of sizes and foliage colors, enhancing its versatility in garden design. Hinoki Cypress requires well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is generally disease-resistant but can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree
Height: 50-75 feet
Width: 15-25 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist, well-drained soils of mountainous regions in Japan and Taiwan

Other Names

Common Names: Hinoki False Cypress, Hinoki-Cypress, Japanese Cypress, Feuerbaum, Hinoki-Scheinzypresse, Feuerscheinzypresse, Hinokibaum, Ciprés Japonés, Faux-Cyprès Obtus, Hinoki Álciprus

Scientific Names: , Chamaecyparis obtusa, Chamaecyparis obtusa var. crippsii, Chamaecyparis obtusa f. crippsii, Chamaecyparis tsatsumi, Chamaecyparis andelyensis, Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana, Chamaecyparis obtusa f. aurea, Chamaecyparis obtusa f. lycopodioides, Chamaecyparis obtusa var. filicoides

GBIF Accepted Name: Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl.