False Cypresses

The false cypresses (Chamaecyparis spp.) are a group of beautiful, evergreen trees native to portions of North America and Asia. Perhaps unfairly tarnished by the “false” moniker, it is important to understand botanists do not intend the common name as a pejorative; they simply use it to distinguish between two common lineages. False cypresses are not inherently superior or inferior to “true” cypresses — they are simply different trees.

Popular Ornamentals

False cedars are among the most popular ornamental conifers planted in the world. This is particularly true in Europe, where the trees grow well in the mild climate. Mature trees bear scale-like leaves, arranged in flat splays; but juvenile trees have longer, oval-shaped, needle-like leaves. The small female cones fall from the limbs shortly after releasing their seeds. False cypresses have long lifespans, and a few documented individuals are over 1700 years old.

Variety and Selection

In addition to the naturally occurring species, horticulturists have created hundreds of false cypress cultivars, giving property owners a number of different options for tree installations. If you intend to install false cypresses in your yard, research the available varieties to determine the best one for your yard (or simply contact your favorite ISA-certified arborist for assistance).

Hinoki false cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) – These delicate trees grow very slowly, perhaps adding 12 inches of height per year on good sites. The slow growth rate makes the species popular among Bonsai practitioners, although they will eventually reach 50 feet in height when planted in landscapes.

Golden Hinoki false cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Aurea’) – A cultivar of the Hinoki false cypress that displays golden foliage. Relatively small trees, Golden Hinoki false cypresses only reach heights of 35 feet.

Alum Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparislawsoniana ‘Alumii’) – A compact, blue-needled form of the Lawson false cypress. Reaching modest heights of less than 30 feet, these trees are small enough to plant near utility lines.

Stewart golden cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Stewartii’) – Another small version of the Lawson false cypress, the Stewart Golden cultivar produces splays of yellow foliage. These false cypresses are rather slow growing, but once mature, they can create a wonderful windscreen.

Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) – The only form native to the eastern United States, Atlantic white cedars have a discontinuous distribution, stretching from Alabama and Florida to Maine. A fast growing species relative to some of their congeneric relatives, Atlantic white cedars may add 24 inches of annual growth when planted on good sites. The Atlantic white cedar is more tolerant of moist soils than many of the other species in the genus.

Andeylensis white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Andeylensis’) – A dwarf form of the normally large Atlantic white cedar. Blessed with very dense foliage, these cultivars make excellent windbreaks.

Sawara false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) – These Japanese natives are a small species, usually growing to about 30 feet in height. Because they are slow growing, reach only modest heights and lack the foliage density of many other false cypresses, they are better suited for ornamental use, rather than for windscreening or shading purposes.

Plume false cypresses (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Plumosa’) – These small cultivars produce compact crowns, relative to the other members of the genus. Preferring highly acidic to neutral soils, these relatively small trees are suitable for use under utility lines.