chamaecyparis

Chamaecyparis is a genus of evergreen conifers in the cypress family Cupressaceae, commonly known as false cypress. The genus includes several well-known species, such as C. lawsoniana (Lawson cypress), C. obtusa (hinoki cypress), C. pisifera (sawara cypress), and C. thyoides (Atlantic white cedar). Some classifications also include C. nootkatensis (Nootka cypress), though the latter is frequently placed in separate genera by modern treatments. These species are native to temperate regions of Asia and North America, with distributions spanning parts of Japan and China in Asia and parts of the eastern and western North American continents.

Chamaecyparis trees are typically medium-sized, evergreen conifers that are popular in cultivation as ornamentals. Mature foliage consists of flattened sprays of scale-like leaves, while juveniles may display slender, needle-like foliage. The cones are small and globose to oblong, containing a few to several scales, and they mature within a single season.

In cultivation, Chamaecyparis is valued for its diverse foliage colors and forms, including blue-green and gold cultivars, as well as columnar, fountain, or spreading shapes. They prefer well-drained soils and a sunny to partly shaded site, with many species tolerating cold winters. They are widely used in parks, screens, hedges, and as specimen trees. Propagation is commonly by seed for species or by semi-hardwood cuttings for cultivated varieties.

The genus name derives from Greek elements meaning “ground” or “dwarf” and “cypress,” reflecting the compact habit of many cultivars. Chamaecyparis species play a notable role in horticulture and landscape design, as well as in some historic timber uses in their native ranges.