Chamaecyparis obtusa aka Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa, or hinoki cypress, is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Its native range includes Japan and Taiwan in temperate Asia. Garden trees reach 50–75 feet (15.2–22.9 metres) tall. Their spread is about 10–25 feet (3–7.6 metres). Wild trees can reach 120 feet (36.6 metres) or more. The crown forms a cone, with branches that spread sideways. Its large size limits its use in small gardens.

Flat sprays of foliage grow along the horizontal branches. The ends of the sprays hang down. The dark green leaves fit tightly against each twig. Adult leaves look like scales and come in two sizes. White marks beneath them form X-like patterns. Young leaves look more like short needles than scales. Crushed leaves give off a scent. The red-brown bark feels soft and peels as trees age. Leaves do not change colour in autumn. They may turn brown during winter.

This conifer makes cones rather than true flowers or fruit. Each tree carries both pollen cones and seed cones. Small, reddish pollen cones grow at the branch tips. The round seed cones start green, then turn brown. They measure about half an inch across, with eight to ten scales. Short stalks hold the seed cones on the branches. The cones have little value as a floral display. The foliage and bark provide interest through the year.

Hinoki cypress grows best in full sun but accepts light shade. It prefers fertile, moist loam that drains well. It can grow in other soils with good drainage. Avoid sites where water sits around the roots. Slightly acid soil suits it best. Reports differ on how well it handles alkaline soil. Give it shelter from wind. Moving an established tree can be difficult. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–8 and UK rating H6. Growth ranges from slow to moderate in the sources. It needs little routine pruning.

Use the species as a specimen, screen, or grouped planting. Growers also use it for bonsai. Its timber has a long role in Japanese building work. Other uses include essential oils, shade, and shelter. Bagworms, aphids, juniper scale, and shoot-boring moths can attack it. Disease risks include juniper blight, honey fungus, and root rot. Phytophthora can also harm the roots. Plants For A Future lists no known edible or medicinal uses. It reports no known hazards, rather than confirmed safety.