Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Cypresses (Chamaecyparis)
Cypresses are a genus of conifer plants that are valued for their highly scented wood. The wood of some species is used for temple construction in Japan and other construction purposes worldwide. These plants are also ideal for hedges and rock gardens due to their ornamental characteristics. They differ from true cypress by their smaller size, rounded congress, and fewer seeds. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Key Facts About Cypresses
Feedback
Attributes of Cypresses
Plant Height
60 m
Spread
20 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃
Scientific Classification of Cypresses
Distribution of Cypresses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Cypresses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Cypresses
Feedback
The genus cypresses, often referred to as false cypress, typically requires full sunlight or partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It's fairly adaptable to different temperatures, but it might struggle in excessively hot climates. Common challenges include pests such as bagworms and diseases like canker or root rot, particularly in poorly drained soils. Seasonally, cypresses needs protection from harsh winter winds and prefers more moisture during dry summer months. As the seasons change, it may require adjustment in watering routines.
How to Water Cypresses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cypresses?
How to Propagate Cypresses?
How to Plant Cypresses?
Exploring the Cypresses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Lawson's cypress
Lawson's cypress (*Chamaecyparis lawsoniana*) is an evergreen tree that can grow to 61 m tall and 1.2 to 2 m wide. It can live for hundreds of years. The cedar wood is one of the most valuable harvested woods in North America. Female seed cones develop in spring and mature to a brown color. Male seed cones are smaller and red.
Hinoki cypress
Hinoki cypress is native to Japan and is a slow-growing ornamental tree. It usually reaches heights of 35 m tall with a trunk up to 1 m in diameter. Due to the large, tight foliage on this tree, it is often used as a hedge or privacy screen.
Sawara cypress
Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) is a low-maintenance ornamental evergreen with many dwarf cultivars suitable for rock gardens, or to be grown as bonsai. It's a pioneer species with durable wood, often used for boxes, casks, barrels, furniture, building timber for construction, and musical instruments.
Atlantic white cedar
Atlantic white cedar is a species of coniferous evergreen tree that is primarily found in the eastern United States. It prefers to grow in wetlands. However, it is often grown for ornamental purposes. In southern states, it is sometimes used as a Christmas tree.
False cypress 'Pendula'
The false cypress 'Pendula' is a cultivar from the cypress family. This evergreen grows quickly and its blue-green needles cascade downward like pendulums. It has also been referred to as the Nootka Cypress. This tree has a merit award from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Hinoki cypress 'Pygmaea'
Hinoki cypress 'Pygmaea' is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that forms a ball-shaped, green mound. Perfect for small gardens, rock gardens and hedges. Its name originates from the Japanese word 'hinoki', meaning fire-resistant, and it is valued for its resistance to decay. Additionally, the essential oil extracted from its wood is used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
Port orford cedar 'Ivonne'
Port orford cedar 'Ivonne' is a striking evergreen conifer with a narrow, pyramidal shape. Its unique bright yellow foliage retains its vibrant hue throughout the year, lending a splash of color to any landscape. Well-suited to moist, well-drained soils, port orford cedar 'Ivonne' thrives in full to partial sunlight, growing slowly yet steadily, which makes it an ideal ornamental feature for gardens and parks.
Port orford cedar 'Ellwood's Gold'
Port orford cedar 'Ellwood's Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer, popular for its columnar habit and lush, yellow-tinged foliage. This variant enjoys a slow to moderate growth, developing dense sprays of scale-like leaves that evolve from green to gold as they mature. It thrives in well-drained soil and can adapt to a range of light conditions, flourishing in full sun to partial shade. Its vibrant hues add year-round interest to gardens and landscapes.
All Species of Cypresses
Lawson's cypress
Lawson's cypress
Lawson's cypress (*Chamaecyparis lawsoniana*) is an evergreen tree that can grow to 61 m tall and 1.2 to 2 m wide. It can live for hundreds of years. The cedar wood is one of the most valuable harvested woods in North America. Female seed cones develop in spring and mature to a brown color. Male seed cones are smaller and red.
Hinoki cypress
Hinoki cypress
Hinoki cypress is native to Japan and is a slow-growing ornamental tree. It usually reaches heights of 35 m tall with a trunk up to 1 m in diameter. Due to the large, tight foliage on this tree, it is often used as a hedge or privacy screen.
Sawara cypress
Sawara cypress
Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) is a low-maintenance ornamental evergreen with many dwarf cultivars suitable for rock gardens, or to be grown as bonsai. It's a pioneer species with durable wood, often used for boxes, casks, barrels, furniture, building timber for construction, and musical instruments.
Atlantic white cedar
Atlantic white cedar
Atlantic white cedar is a species of coniferous evergreen tree that is primarily found in the eastern United States. It prefers to grow in wetlands. However, it is often grown for ornamental purposes. In southern states, it is sometimes used as a Christmas tree.
False cypress 'Pendula'
False cypress 'Pendula'
The false cypress 'Pendula' is a cultivar from the cypress family. This evergreen grows quickly and its blue-green needles cascade downward like pendulums. It has also been referred to as the Nootka Cypress. This tree has a merit award from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Hinoki cypress 'Pygmaea'
Hinoki cypress 'Pygmaea'
Hinoki cypress 'Pygmaea' is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that forms a ball-shaped, green mound. Perfect for small gardens, rock gardens and hedges. Its name originates from the Japanese word 'hinoki', meaning fire-resistant, and it is valued for its resistance to decay. Additionally, the essential oil extracted from its wood is used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
Port orford cedar 'Ivonne'
Port orford cedar 'Ivonne'
Port orford cedar 'Ivonne' is a striking evergreen conifer with a narrow, pyramidal shape. Its unique bright yellow foliage retains its vibrant hue throughout the year, lending a splash of color to any landscape. Well-suited to moist, well-drained soils, port orford cedar 'Ivonne' thrives in full to partial sunlight, growing slowly yet steadily, which makes it an ideal ornamental feature for gardens and parks.
Port orford cedar 'Ellwood's Gold'
Port orford cedar 'Ellwood's Gold'
Port orford cedar 'Ellwood's Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer, popular for its columnar habit and lush, yellow-tinged foliage. This variant enjoys a slow to moderate growth, developing dense sprays of scale-like leaves that evolve from green to gold as they mature. It thrives in well-drained soil and can adapt to a range of light conditions, flourishing in full sun to partial shade. Its vibrant hues add year-round interest to gardens and landscapes.
False cypress 'Ellwoodii'
False cypress 'Ellwoodii'
False cypress 'Ellwoodii' is distinct for its soft, dense foliage and its columnar shape. A cultivar of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, it is named for its original cultivator. This evergreen shrub is low maintenance and is well suited for hedges, screens, ornamental trees, or even bonsais.
Port orford cedar 'Aurea Densa'
Port orford cedar 'Aurea Densa'
Although this dwarf, false cypress cultivar is slow growing, the port orford cedar 'Aurea Densa' grows more quickly than its parent, the miniature C. lawsoniana 'Stewartii'. In the 1920s, W.H. Rogers & Sons nursery propagated the port orford cedar 'Aurea Densa' from this seedling selection. This cultivar is popular for its modest growth, attractive foliage, and compact size.
Hinoki cypress 'Nana'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana' has a very compact size and uniquely rounded shape. Raised as a sport of the Hinoki cypress, this dwarf shrub was aptly named for its small stature. Hinoki cypress 'Nana' has won the Award of Garden Merit and is prized for its delightful growth habit, year-round ornamental value, and tolerance of harsh conditions.
Port orford cedar 'Minima Aurea'
Port orford cedar 'Minima Aurea'
Port orford cedar 'Minima Aurea' is known for its golden oval-shaped leaves and dwarf size. It is a cultivar of the Port Orford cedar and holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit. The name "Aurea" is given for its golden-hued leaves while "Minima" refers to its small stature. This small tree makes a fabulous display in a garden when planted in groups.
Formosan cypress
Formosan cypress
Formosan cypress is a majestic evergreen tree, reaching heights of up to 60 meters with a conical crown. Its bark peels in thin, reddish-brown strips, while the dense foliage comprises scale-like leaves arranged in flat sprays. Endemic to high-altitude forests, formosan cypress adapts to mountaintop conditions, which contributes to its slow growth and longevity. The spherical cones mature in a single year, facilitating its propagation in its native range.
Port orford cedar 'Minima Glauca'
Port orford cedar 'Minima Glauca'
Port orford cedar 'Minima Glauca' is distinct for its globose or conical habit. A dwarf cultivar of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, its name is derived from the Latin words for "small and bluish-green," referring to the tree's stature and foliage. This evergreen shrub is low maintenance and is well suited as an ornamental tree.
Sawara cypress 'Blue Moon'
Sawara cypress 'Blue Moon'
Sawara cypress 'Blue Moon' is a dwarf cultivar of sawara cypress named for its intriguing silvery-blue foliage. While the parent tree can grow up to 35 m tall, this neat and bushy shrub tops out under 1 m. This rounded evergreen grows in an almost spherical ball shape, which looks much tidier than its parent plant does.
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Aurea'
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Aurea'
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Aurea' (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Aurea') is a small, slow-growing, and especially yellow cultivar of Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera). In addition to its color, the foliage creates a drooping effect which is attractive in winter landscapes when all other plants have lost their flowers and leaves. Sawara cypress 'Filifera Aurea' and other cultivars are usually called Threadleaf false cypress due to the appearance of their foliage. 'Filifera Aurea' means 'thread-bearing and golden.'
False cypress 'Green Arrow'
False cypress 'Green Arrow'
Selected for its fast growth rate and slender pyramidal shape, false cypress 'Green Arrow' is a False cypress cultivar, often used in landscaping as an exclamation point, particularly in small spaces. Except for its extremely narrow growth habit that presumably gives the cultivar its name, 'Green arrow' this conifer is distinguished by its weeping branches that create "curtains" of dense, dark blue-gray-green foliage.
Hinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold'
Hinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold'
Hinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold' is a popular Hinoki cypress cultivar prized for its slow growth rate and its irregular, pyramidal shape. Growing up to2 m in height, it doesn't get as tall as its parent plant. Further distinguishing characteristics are its branches held quite horizontally and the green foliage tipped with golden-yellow, which explains the cultivar's common name.
Sawara cypress 'Sungold'
Sawara cypress 'Sungold'
Sawara cypress 'Sungold' is a Sawara cypress cultivar that has been selected for its remarkably ornamental foliage, as well its size – it grows 91 cm tall, becoming slightly wider than it is high. True to its name, 'Sungold', it is distinguished by its thread-like foliage tipped with golden-yellow, even in the full sun. It matures to a lime green color which is noticeably different to the Sawara cypress.
False cypress 'Boulevard'
False cypress 'Boulevard'
False cypress 'Boulevard' is a dwarf cultivar of Sawara cypress, possibly named because it is easy to cultivate as a smaller, decorative tree (for example, along a road or path). It reaches a height of only 1.5 to 1.8 m over ten years of growth. Its dense blue-green foliage is very attractive contrasted against its reddish bark.
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Nana'
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Nana'
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Nana' is a dwarf cultivar of the Sawara cypress. While the parent plant can grow into a tree 30 to 50 m tall, the cultivar was bred to grow just 1 m in height, forming a multi-stemmed, mound-forming shrub. It makes a great display when combined in a mixed border with other conifers.
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' is a dwarf cypress that grows to a height of 1.3 m, which is much shorter than the 24 m sometimes attained by the parent tree. The plant's name refers to its golden-green foliage (aurea) and diminutive stature (nana), which make it a popular ornamental garden tree.
Port orford cedar 'Wisselii'
Port orford cedar 'Wisselii'
Port orford cedar 'Wisselii' is a cultivar of Port orford. It is a popular choice with gardeners for its moderately slow growth rate and attractive appearance. Named 'Wisselii' for the nursery it was cultivated in, port orford cedar 'Wisselii' has a unique appearance. The cristate branchlets, thin branches that form a crest, have greenish-gray foliage that is different from other trees in the family.
Port orford cedar 'Pygmaea Argentea'
Port orford cedar 'Pygmaea Argentea'
Port orford cedar 'Pygmaea Argentea' is a dwarf rounded conifer that stands out for its dark blue foliage with light, variegated tips, especially in the spring. This cultivar was found in the late 1890s by James Backhouse and Son Nursery, York, United Kingdom, as a single branch sport. It is slow growing, reaching about 50 cm after 10 years, and up to 2 m overall.
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Gracilis'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Gracilis'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Gracilis' is distinct for its slow growth and small size – it reaches only 91 cm tall over 10 years – as well as its conical or pyramidal shape. A cultivar of Chamaecyparis obtusa, its name means dwarf (Nana) and graceful (Gracilis). This tree is very easy to grow and is popular as an accent plant.
Port orford cedar 'Lutea Nana'
Port orford cedar 'Lutea Nana'
Port orford cedar 'Lutea Nana' is distinct for its golden-yellow foliage that grows in dense, short sprays. A dwarf cultivar of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, its name means “yellow” and is a reference to its color. This small evergreen conifer requires little maintenance and tolerates deer and rabbits.
Port orford cedar 'Pendula'
Port orford cedar 'Pendula'
Port orford cedar 'Pendula' is distinct for its long, dangling foliage. A cultivar of Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, its name refers to its hanging foliage which gives it a weeping appearance. This evergreen conifer grows over 3.5 m tall, withstands wind, and adds an elegant touch to one’s garden.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Cypresses
Chamaecyparis
Cypresses are a genus of conifer plants that are valued for their highly scented wood. The wood of some species is used for temple construction in Japan and other construction purposes worldwide. These plants are also ideal for hedges and rock gardens due to their ornamental characteristics. They differ from true cypress by their smaller size, rounded congress, and fewer seeds.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Key Facts About Cypresses
Feedback
Attributes of Cypresses
Plant Height
60 m
Spread
20 m
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
5 - 32 ℃
Scientific Classification of Cypresses
Distribution of Cypresses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Cypresses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Cypresses
Feedback
The genus cypresses, often referred to as false cypress, typically requires full sunlight or partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It's fairly adaptable to different temperatures, but it might struggle in excessively hot climates. Common challenges include pests such as bagworms and diseases like canker or root rot, particularly in poorly drained soils. Seasonally, cypresses needs protection from harsh winter winds and prefers more moisture during dry summer months. As the seasons change, it may require adjustment in watering routines.
How to Water Cypresses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Cypresses?
How to Propagate Cypresses?
How to Plant Cypresses?
Exploring the Cypresses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Lawson's cypress
Lawson's cypress (*Chamaecyparis lawsoniana*) is an evergreen tree that can grow to 61 m tall and 1.2 to 2 m wide. It can live for hundreds of years. The cedar wood is one of the most valuable harvested woods in North America. Female seed cones develop in spring and mature to a brown color. Male seed cones are smaller and red.
Hinoki cypress
Hinoki cypress is native to Japan and is a slow-growing ornamental tree. It usually reaches heights of 35 m tall with a trunk up to 1 m in diameter. Due to the large, tight foliage on this tree, it is often used as a hedge or privacy screen.
Sawara cypress
Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) is a low-maintenance ornamental evergreen with many dwarf cultivars suitable for rock gardens, or to be grown as bonsai. It's a pioneer species with durable wood, often used for boxes, casks, barrels, furniture, building timber for construction, and musical instruments.
Atlantic white cedar
Atlantic white cedar is a species of coniferous evergreen tree that is primarily found in the eastern United States. It prefers to grow in wetlands. However, it is often grown for ornamental purposes. In southern states, it is sometimes used as a Christmas tree.
Show More Species
All Species of Cypresses
Lawson's cypress
Hinoki cypress
Sawara cypress
Atlantic white cedar
False cypress 'Pendula'
Hinoki cypress 'Pygmaea'
Port orford cedar 'Ivonne'
Port orford cedar 'Ellwood's Gold'
False cypress 'Ellwoodii'
Port orford cedar 'Aurea Densa'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana'
Port orford cedar 'Minima Aurea'
Formosan cypress
Port orford cedar 'Minima Glauca'
Sawara cypress 'Blue Moon'
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Aurea'
False cypress 'Green Arrow'
Hinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold'
Sawara cypress 'Sungold'
False cypress 'Boulevard'
Sawara cypress 'Filifera Nana'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea'
Port orford cedar 'Wisselii'
Port orford cedar 'Pygmaea Argentea'
Hinoki cypress 'Nana Gracilis'
Port orford cedar 'Lutea Nana'
Port orford cedar 'Pendula'
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
