A genus of 8 species of trees that are related to the true Cypresses with a number of minute differences. Many are valued for their timber which is used for house interiors and fences.
They prefer deep, light, well drained soil but aren't very fussy. They are lime tolerant but will grow faster on soil with a PH below 7. They are also pollution tolerant.
Propagation is from seed sown in fall or spring. The cultivars can be reproduced from half hardened cuttings taken in summer. If grafted, that can be done in late winter to early spring. Though bagworm damage is rare...an infestation can cause severe damage, especially on some of the dwarfs that may be very expensive to replace. Inspect occasionally during the summer and treat accordingly if they occur.
Chamaecyparis formosensis ( Taiwan Cypress )
A very large tree native to Taiwan that is fast growing and reach reach 140 feet or more. Some records include: 10 years - 22 x 12 feet; largest on record - 220 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 27 feet. It can live up to 3000 years.
The pendant foliage in flattened sprays is medium green above with pale green or white markings below.
The cones are rust colored and round.
Hardy zones 7 to 10, tolerating as low as -11 F. It is very tolerant of hot, humid summers even thriving in eastern Texas eastwards through the Deep South. ENDANGERED
* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Aug 5 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Mar 26 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
Chamaecyparis funebris ( Chinese Weeping Cypress )
A coniferous tree that can grow fast ( to 3 feet in a year ) but is usually moderate growing ( 27 x 13 feet in 20 years ) and can eventually reach 120 x 48 feet with trunk diameter of 7 feet - huge! Some additional records include: 100 years - trunk diameter of 3.3 feet. It can also live up to 800 years. An elegant pyramid shape tree when young it becomes pendulous and graceful when mature.
The foliage grows in flattened sprays and is medium green.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
* photos taken on Mar 26 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Aurea'
Slower and smaller growing, reaching a maximum size of 30 x 30 feet.
It is similar in habit but has golden-yellow foliage.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ( Lawson Cypress )
Also called Port Orford Cedar. Native to western North America, mainly in Oregon; it is a large tree that grows at a moderate pace to 100 feet. Some records include: 20 years - 75 x 13 feet; 90 years - trunk diameter of 3.3 feet; largest on record - 270 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 21 feet. Rare in the eastern U.S., it can be found at Longwood Gardens among a few other parks and arboretums. It is planted frequently over much of Europe and has naturalized there locally. Unfortunately, this tree is threatened with extinction in the wild, as native stands have been getting wiped out by phytophora fungus since approx. 1952.
The foliage is bright to blue green in fan shaped sprays.
The early spring flowers are small and red.
The cones are grayish and ripening to rusty brown.
The ridged bark is red-brown.
Hardy zones 4 to 9; in the eastern U.S. it thrives on Long Island especially well but has a fairly wide range of adaptation. Tolerant of dry, alkaline soils and shade.
Can be propagated from softwood cuttings in summer.
* photo taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* lawson cypress in Chile
* photo taken by W.J. Allyn @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by L.D. Bailey @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* historical archive photos
'Affs Van Pelts'
A broad columnar tree. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 2 feet.
The attractive foliage is so powdery-blue that the tree looks spray painted. Known to tolerate -30 F for 2 consecutive winters with no damage.
'Albospica'
Dense and conical in habit, reaching 10 x 10 feet in 10 years, eventually to 33 feet or more. Largest on record - 57 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
The new growth is white before fading to green.
Grows best on fertile soil in a sheltered site.
'Allumnii'
Narrow and densely conical to 33 x 10 feet in 20 years; largest on record - 105 x 13 feet with a trunk diameter of 42 inches. Growth rate up to 2 feet per year. Foliage is bright blue.
* photo from unknown internet source
'Aurea Densa'
Densely pyramidal and dwarf, to 2 x 1 feet in 10 years and eventually up to 6.6 feet in height. Golden yellow foliage.
'Bleu Nantais'
Dense and columnar, resembling an Italian Cypress. Slow growing when young before speeding up to moderate, reaching an eventual size of 37 x 6.6 feet.Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 3 feet; largest on record - 55 feet with a trunk diameter of 27 inches
The semi-juvenile foliage is silvery blue
'Chilworth Silver'
Slow growing, dwarf, upright and columnar, reaching up to 5 x 2 feet in 10 years.
The juvenile foliage is silvery-blue.
'Columnaris'
Upright, dense and narrowly columnar in habit. Some records include: 10 years - 17 feet; 20 years - 33 x 3.3 feet; 44 years - 66 feet with trunk diameter of 29 inches; largest on record - 103 feet with trunk diameter of 2.5 feet.
Very attractive!
The blue-gray, aromatic foliage is borne on flattened sprays.
Hardy zones 5 to 7
'Dirk's Weeping'
A narrow-conical tree with a strong central leader and very weeping sidebranches, reaching up to 25 feet in height. Some records include: 10 years - 14 x 3 feet.
The foliage is blue-green.
'Dow's Gem'
A dense, spreading shrub, with drooping branch tips, that can reach up to 3.3 x 5 feet in 10 years.
The very beautiful, ferny foliage is bluish-gray.
'Duncanii'
A dwarf, rounded to dome-shaped shrub with blue-green, thread like foliage. It looks great combined with purple-leafed plants. Some records include: 10 years - 5 feet x 32 inches; largest on record - 6 x 15 feet.
'Ellwoodii'
Dense and columnar, resembling an Italian Cypress. Slow growing when young before speeding up to moderate, eventually reaching up to 37 x 6.6 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 3 feet; largest on record - 55 feet with a trunk diameter of 27 inches
The semi-juvenile foliage is deep blue-green.
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
'Ellwood Gold'
Dense and columnar, resembling an Italian Cypress. Slow growing when young before speeding up to moderate. It can reach 8 x 3 feet in 10 years and eventually up to 37 x 6.6 feet. Potential extreme maximum size - 55 feet with a trunk diameter of 27 inches
The semi juvenile foliage is gold in summer before darkening to green.
'Erecta Viridis'
largest on record - 112 feet with trunk diameter of 6 feet
'Filiformis'
To 82 feet with weeping branches. Resembles the Weeping Nootka Cypress.
Gray green foliage.
'Fletcheri'
Slow growing, upright and conical, eventually reaching up to 50 x 10 feet.
Some records include: 20 years - 30 x 6.5 feet; largest on record - 80 x 67 feet with trunk diameter of 5 feet.
The semi-juvenile foliage is blue-green turning to bronze in winter.
'Forsteckensis'
A dense, globular to flat-topped, dwarf shrub, reaching up to 20 x 24 inches in 10 years and eventually 6.6 x 5 feet or more. The largest on record is 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 9 inches.
Foliage is medium green.
'Gimbornii'
Forms a very compact, dense, globular shrub, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet in 10 years and eventually 5 x 5 feet after many decades. Foliage is blue-green turning purplish-pink tinged during winter.
'Glauca Pendula'
largest on record - 107 feet with trunk diameter of 40 inches
'Gnome'
Dense and rounded dwarf to 2 x 2 feet, appearing like some of the Hinokis. Foliage in flattened sprays is luxuriant medium blue-green.
Hardy zones 5 to 8
'Green Piller'
A slow growing, dense, column to 23 x 6.6 feet in 20 years and 63 x 17 feet in 46 years. Foliage is bright green.
'Greyswood Piller'
Dense and narrow to 40 x 3.3 feet in 20 years. Reaches 63 feet in 46 years.
Foliage is gray.
'Intertexta'
An attractive, elegant tree to 82 feet with slightly weeping branches.
Foliage is gray green in pendulous sprays.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
'Green Pillar.
Conical to columnar with upright branches and dense. Reaches up to 50 x 6 feet.
The aromatic foliage in spattened sprays is gold tinted in spring turning to bright green.
'Haywire'
Moderate growing and upright, broadly-pyramidal in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3.2 feet in 3 years, eventually to 18 x 18 feet.
The threadlike foliage resembles that of Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera. It is mid-green.
Hardy zones 5 to 7
'Handworth Park'
An upright, large tree with a strong leader and pendulous side branches.
The blue-green foliage is speckled creamy-white.
'Hillieri'
largest on record - 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 16 inches
'Ivonne'
Upright, conical in habit, reaching up to 17 x 8 feet in 10 years, eventually up to 23 x 10 feet or more. It bears sprays of attractive golden-yellow foliage.
* photos taken on Sep 23 2013 in Burtonsville, MD
'Kilmacurragh'
Columnar to 23 x 6.6 feet in 20 years and eventually much larger; largest on record - 82 x 10 feet with trunk diameter of 42 inches. Foliage is deep green. Resistant to heavy snow damage.
'Lanei Aurea'
Upright, conical when young later becoming columnar.
Some records include: 20 years - 40 x 10 feet; largest on record - 130 x 20 feet with trunk diameter of 28 inches.
The aromatic, plumy foliage is borne on flattened feathery sprays. The foliage is bright green with golden-yellow tips.
Hardy zones 5 to 8
* photo of unknown internet source
'Little Spire'
Forms a very dwarf, very upright column. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 2 ( usually half that ) feet; largest on record - 40 x 5 feet.
The foliage is blue-green. It is the dwarf form of 'Wisselii'.
'Lutea'
A broadly columnar tree with drooping branchlets, to 33 x 10 feet in 20 years and eventually to 90 feet with trunk diameter of 2.5 feet.
Foliage is bright yellow maturing darker.
* photo of unknown internet source
* historical archive photo
'Minima'
A globular dwarf shrub, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 feet with gray-green to mid-green adult foliage. Slow growing, up to 3 inches per year.
'Nana'
A slow growing shrub to 9 x 10 feet ( record is 27 feet with trunk diameter of 14 inches ) with yellow foliage.
'New Silver'
Largest on record - 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 27 inches
'Nidiformis' ( Birds Nest Cypress )
A dome shape shrub with arching branches and green foliage. Reaches up to 6.6 x 10 feet in 10 years with a maximum mature size of 6.6 x 20 feet.
'Oregon Blue'
Fast growing, very large tree with silvery-blue foliage.
It has a strongly upright leader and semi-pendulous side branches.
Some records include: 10 years - 14 x 4 feet ( average ).
Resistant to Phytophora.
'Pembury Blue'
An extremely attractive, upright and conical tree. Some records include - 20 years -
23 x 13 feet; largest on record - 66 x 25 feet with trunk diameter of 1.5 feet though much larger is possible.
The silvery-blue, aromatic foliage is borne on flattened, pendulous sprays.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
'Pinpoint Blue'
Moderate growing, narrow and upright columnar in habit, reaching up to 2.6 x 1 feet in 2 years, eventually to 20 x 7 feet.
The soft feathery foliage is bright blue.
Hardy zones 5 to 7 ( tolerating at least as cold as -20 F )
'Pinpoint Gold'
Moderate growing, narrow and upright columnar in habit, reaching up to 2.6 x 1 feet in 2 years, eventually to 20 x 7 feet.
The soft feathery foliage is bright golden-yellow.
Hardy zones 5 to 7 ( tolerating at least as cold as -20 F )
'Pendula Vera'
Very weeping, it will need to be staked for height when young.
Some records include: 10 years -6 x 4 feet; largest on record - 113 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
The attractive foliage is very coarse and luxuriant mid-green.
'Pottenii'
A very bushy, neat, conical tree to 27 x 6.6 feet in 20 years; largest on record - 66 feet with trunk diameter of 2.5 feet. The semi-juvenile foliage is medium green in soft sprays.
'Pygmy'
A dense, rounded to flat-topped, miniature shrub, reaching up to 18 x 16 inches in 10 years. The foliage is gray-green.
'Pygmaea Argentea'
Rounded and dwarf, to 2 x 2 feet in 10 years; eventually to 4 x 4 feet.
Foliage is blue-green tipped creamy white.
'Robusta Glauca'
Vigorous in habit, with blue-green foliage. Some records include:largest on record - 57 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 feet
'Silver Queen'
An upright large tree with foliage that is deep green with white veining throughout the sprays giving it a grayish cast. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 5 feet ( average )' largest on record - 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet
* photo taken on Sep 25 2013 in Howard Co., MD
'Stardust'
A narrowly conical tree to 10 x 4 feet in 10 years, to 23 x 6.6 feet in 20 years; largest on record - 47 feet with trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
The foliage is yellow tinted bronze
'Stewartii'
An elegant, large conical tree with large flat sprays of foliage that are golden-yellow during summer turning to green during autumn and winter. Some records include: 20 years - 53 x 23 feet; largest on record - 103 x 25 feet.
'Stricta'
largest on record - 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 16 inches
'Tamariscifolia'
Rounded and flat topped, to 6.6 x 13 feet in 10 years and eventually larger.
Largest on record - 23 x 17 feet with a trunk diameter of 7 inches
The foliage is in triangular, flat, sea green sprays.
'Triumphe de Boskoop'
An open, vigorous, conical, large tree to 57 x 13 feet in 20 years. Largest on record - 103 x 20 feet with a diameter of 44 inches. The foliage is steele blue.
'Westermanii'
An extra vigorous grower with wide spreading branches and drooping branchlets.
It is broadly-conical in habit and reaches up to 30 feet or more.
The young foliage is golden-yellow, later turning to green.
'Winston Churchill'
A dense, conical tree that is upswept at the base and grows to 27 x 10 feet in 20 years, largest on record - 53 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
The very attractive foliage is golden yellow.
'Wisselii'
A fast growing, upswpet, irregular, very ornamental, columnar tree to to 33 x 10 feet in 20 years and eventually 85 feet. Largest on record - 133 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
Foliage is blue-green.
'Versicolor'
largest on record - 42 feet with a trunk diameter of 14 inches
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ( Nootka Cypress )
Native to western North America, from Kodiak, Alaska; south to northern California. While it is most common near the coast, it does occur naturally as far inland as near Penticton in southern British Columbia and Grant County in Oregon. It is endangered in California. It grows moderately and is pyramidal in habit, reaching up to 75 feet or more. Some records include: 10 years - 20 x 10 feet; 20 years - 33 x 17 feet; largest on record - 205 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 14 feet. Unfortunately, many mature stands of this spectacular tree are dying out in the wild due to global climate change. Very long-lived, Nootka Cypress is known to persist as long as 1040 years.
The foliage is deep green on hanging branchlets.
The bark is brown, furrowed and fibrous.
Hardy zones 4 to 7 in full sun to partial shade. Tolerant of heat, humidity as well as pollution, one could never guess this tree to be so hardy considering its origins in the maritime Pacific Northwest.
* photos from unknown internet source
* photo taken on August 4 2010 @ Stratford, Ontario
* photo of unknown internet source
* photo taken on July 27 2015 in Bayfield, ON
* Nootka Cypress in Cayuga, ON
* historical archive photo
'Aldrich Mountain'
A cold hardy form originating at 5300 feet in elevation on Aldrich Mountain in central Oregon, east of the Cascades. It is otherwise similar to the species.
Fully hardy in zone 4.
'Aurea'
Upright-conical, reaching up to 60 feet with bright yellow foliage.
Some records include: 10 years - 16 x 10.5 feet.
'Glauca'
Very glaucous-blue foliage, otherwise similar to species.
'Green Arrow'
Fast growing and very narrow, reaching a maximum size of 40 x 4 feet.
It has a strong central leader and very weeping side branches.
Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2 feet; 10 years - 15 feet.
The foliage is mid-green.
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
* photo taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
'Pendula'
An attractive specimum tree with a strong erect central leader and horizontal branches that bear long weeping sprays of deep green foliage.
Some records include: 10 years - 20 x 8 feet ( 27 feet in 10 years reported in Pacific Northwest ); 24 years - 40 feet. Eventually reaching about the same size as regular Nootka Cypress! It has reached 27 feet in 25 years at zone 4b Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, Canada despite the species itself being slightly less hardy and thriving only on protected sites within Ottawa.
* photos taken on July 1 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on August 4 2010 @ Stratford, Ontario
* photo taken on Aug 4 2012 in Bayfield, Ontario
* photos taken on July 26 2015 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
* photos taken on Aug 12 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 16 2016 in Bayfield, ON
* photo taken on Feb 26 2017 in Columbia, MD
* Weeping Nootka Cypress in Cayuga, ON
* Weeping Nootka Cypress in St Thomas, ON
* Weeping Nootka Cypress in Belmont, ON
* Weeping Nootka Cypress in detroit, MI
* photo taken on June 7 2019 @ Univ. of Maryland, College Park
* photo taken on Oct 1 2018 @ Howard Comm. College, Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 19 2020 @ Hershey Park, Hershey, PA
* photo taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
* photo taken on Aug 18 2021 in Windsor, ON
* photos taken on Aug 22 2021 in Bayfield, ON
* photo taken on July 9 2022 in Bayfield, ON
* photo taken on July 7 2023 @ Bayfield, ON
* photo taken on July 10 2023 @ Collingwood Arboretum, Collingwood, ON
* photo taken on Aug 16 2024 in Bayfield, ON
* photo taken on Aug 15 2024 in Kincardine, ON
'Sparkling Arrow'
Very narrow and conical in habit, reaching up to 30 x 3 feet, with a strong central leader and weeping side branches. It can reach up to 12 x 3 feet in 10 years.
The deep green foliage is heavily splashed creamy-white.
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
Chamaecyparis obtusa ( Hinoki Cypress )
The Hinoki Cypress is a large forest tree native of Japan. It is moderate growing to 2 feet per year ( rarely 3 feet ) and can grow to 27 x 10 feet in 20 years. One has already reached 80 feet at Princeton, NJ however much older trees to 1000 years old grow much larger to 180 x 40 x 10 feet in the wild.
The foliage is deep green above and striped silvery white below for the entire year.
The thick red brown bark peels off in strips and the trees are sometimes limbed up or planted in groves to show it off.
The Hinoki Cypress is hardy from zones 3 to 8 ( tolerating -40 F ) and it is recommended to never use grafted trees. Shading small nonestablished plants during winter can prevent freeze damage. It has proven generally hardy in the Ottawa area of Canada. Dwarf varieties of Hinoki Cypress(s) do surprisingly well in the harsh climate of Newfoundland on Canadas northeast coast.
They are not generally prone to pests and diseases, spider mites may occur on very dry sites. Cultivars can be grown from cuttings taken during autumn.
* photos from U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on Feb 2009
* photos taken in Clarksville, MD on July 2008
* photo of unknown internet origin of wild habitat in Japan
* photos taken on April 23 2010 in Howard County, MD
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* historic archive photos
* bagworm damage on Hinoki Cypress
'Albospica'
Slow growing, compact and upright-conical in habit, reaching up to 6 x 6 feet in 10 years; largest on record - 67 feet with trunk diameter of 2.5 feet.
The foliage is white at first, later turning to bright green.
'Aurea'
Similar to 'Cripsii' but more sculptured with foliage that is less graceful. Some records include: 10 years - 15 x 10 feet, eventually reaching up to 30 feet. It form a pyramidal small tree.
The whorled, dense, cupped foliage sprays are rich golden-yellow later turning to deep green giving a multicolored effect.
'Aurea Nana'
Slow growing, very compact, dense, and broad-pyramidal in habit. Some records include: record growth rate - 8 inches; 12 years - 8 x 5 ( often only 3 x 2 ) feet; largest on record - 15 x 15 feet.
The twisted branches bear flat, fan-shaped sprays of bright golden-yellow foliage that later turns to green, giving a multicolored effect.
The foliage generally does not burn in full sun.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Blue Feathers'
Slow growing, dense and compact with an upright twisted habit. Some records include: 10 years - 6 feet; largest on record - 12 x 6 feet.
The soft, feathery, bright blue juvenile foliage gives it a very soft appearance.
'Breviramea'
Very fast growing, compact and narrow in habit, reaching up to 25 x 20 feet in 20 years, eventually much larger.
The attractive, glossy deep green, 'Gracilis'-like foliage is borne on fine sprays.
* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Compacta'
Fast growing, dense, irregular and broadly-conical in habit. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 6 ( rarely over 6 ) feet; 35 years - 20 x 10 feet; largest on record - 40 x 15 feet with a trunk diameter of 37 inches. It is similar to 'Nana Gracilis' but is more vigorous.
The foliage sprays are rich deep green.
* photo taken on landscape install in Columbia, MD on Sep 2008
* photo taken on June 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 15 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 9 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 17 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Confucious'
Fast growing, dense, compact and broadly-pyramidal. Some records include: 10 years - 9 x 4.5 ( rarely over 6 ) feet; 13 years - 15 x 6 feet; 20 years - 15 x 8 feet.
The layered feathery foliage sprays have whip-like tips. The foliage is bright golden-yellow at first, turning to emerald green then finally to deep green giving it a multicolor effect. The foliage may turn orangish during cold winter weather.
It is shear tolerant but looks better in its natural form and looks great against a dark background.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Contorta'
Upright and compact in habit, reaching up to 6 x 3 feet in 10 years, 10 x 4 feet in 20 years, eventually slightly more.
The twisted, spiralling foliage is mid-green above, whitish beneath.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Coralliformis'
Slow growing, dense and pyramidal. Some records include: 10 years - 5.7 ( 4 avg. ) feet; 35 years - 12 x 8 feet; largest on record - 33 x 15 feet with a trunk diameter of 13 inches.
The twisted, semi-weeping, threadlike foliage is glossy blue-green, turning bronze during winter.
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Crippsii' ( Golden Hinoki Cypress )
A very ornamental, moderate to fast growing, pyramidal, small to medium-sized tree with large sprays of bright golden-yellow foliage. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 2 feet; 10 years - 20 x 10 feet; largest on record is 75 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet, it has already grown to 47 ft. in Connecticut.
* photo taken @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on Feb 2009
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on Nov 11 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
* photo taken on June 25 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Feb 8 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 9 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photo taken on Dec 30 2021 in Columbia, MD
'Elmwood Gold'
Slow growing, dense and broad-upright in habit, reaching up to 8 x 8 feet in 10 years with an eventual maximum size of 12 x 16 feet.
The attractive golden-yellow foliage does not burn in full sun.
* photos taken on Jan 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Filicioides' ( Fernspray Hinoki Cypress )
A pyramidal, small, open tree to 12 x 6.6 feet in 10 years and eventually to 50 x 15 feet after many decades. The largest on record is 75 x 31 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.3 feet. It can be kept more compact and smaller with persistent selective pruning.
Foliage is bright green in flat fern like sprays.
Tolerates hot humid summers, even in most of North Carolina.
* photo taken on June 10 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD
* photo taken on May 7 2014 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
* photos taken on Apr 11 2015 @ Belmont Mansion, Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on Nov 19 2016 @ London Town Gardens, Edgewater, MD
'Filicioides Aurea' ( Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress )
A pyramidal form that eventually becomes a small tree. Some records include: 10 years - 6 x 4 feet; 35 years - 20 x 14 feet; largest on record - 50 feet.
The flat fern-like sprays of foliage are golden-yellow.
It is more heat tolerant than most Hinoki cultivars, thriving as far south as Savannah, GA.
* photos taken on Apr 11 2015 @ Belmont Mansion, Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on Aug 11 2015 in Columbia, MD
Filicioides Compacta'
Similar to 'Filicioides' but it more compact and more more suited for smaller sites.
Some records include: 10 years - 6 x 4 feet; largest on record - 12 feet.
The fern-like foliage sprays are bright green at first, later deepening to rich dark green.
'Golden Filament'
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Gracilis' ( Gracilis Hinoki Cypress )
A moderate growing, irregular upright pyramidal tree, reaching around 35 x 17 feet, with a strong central leader and horizontal branching. Some records include: 10 years - 15 x 6 feet ( average ); largest on record - 100 feet.
The whorled, fan-shaped foliage sprays have drooping tips.
The foliage is glossy very deep green turning bronze during winter.
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Gracilis Compacta'
Dense, compact and irregular-pyramidal in habit. Some records include: 15 years - 10 feet; largest on record - 25 feet. It makes a great specimen plant.
The fan-shaped foliage sprays are deep green.
* photos taken on June 10 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
* photo taken on Jan 7 2022 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
'Kerdalo'
Rounded in habit, reaching up to 5 x 4 feet in 10 years, eventually reaching up to 5 x 8 feet. It originated as a sport of 'Cripsii'.
The soft golden-yellow foliage is borne on flat sprays.
* photo taken on Apr 26 2024 in Ellicott City, MD
'Kosteri' ( Kosteri Hinoki Cypress )
A dwarf form with a natural semi-bonsai effect, it is best with its leader trained up for layered effect. Some record include: growth rate - 6 ( averaging 3 ) inches; 10 years - 4.5 x 3 ( rarely over 3 ) feet; largest on record - 14 x 14 ( rarely over 12 x 9 ) feet.
It has twisted, cupped, dense foliage sprays that are luxuriant bright green.
* photo taken on Mar 7 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on July 25 2017 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Apr 4 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photos taken on July 24 2021 in Columbia, MD
'Kosteri Fast Form'
Similar to 'Kosteri' but faster growing, reaching up to 5 x 3 feet in 10 years.
'Lucas Golden'
Compact, dense, upright and rounded in habit, reaching up to 1.5 x 2 feet in 5 years, to 5 x 3 feet in 10 years, eventually slightly more.
The foliage is intense deep golden-yellow.
Tolerates as low as -30 F
'Lycopodioides'
Slow growing, reaching a maximum size of 66 feet with trunk diameter of 3 foot, though rarely even half that. Some records include: 10 years - 6.5 x 3.3 feet.
The very deep green, very thick foliage is spirally arranged on the very thick branchlets. It is definately a unique shrub/tree to stop traffic.
'Lycopodioides Aurea'
Very similar to 'Lycopodioides' except for having new foliage that is yellow.
'Lynn's Golden'
Dense and pyramidal in habit, reaching up to 4 feet in 10 years, eventually to 12 feet in height.
The golden-yellow foliage turns purplish-tinged during winter.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Mariesii'
Slow growing, forming a dense, broad, upright cone. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 4 feet; 20 years - 6 x 5 feet; largest on record - 10 x 10 feet.
The twisted branches bear fine feathery foliage that is mid-green and heavily flecked creamy-white.
* photo taken on Aug 14 2015 in Ellicott City, MD
'Melody'
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Nana'
A slow growing, broad-pyramidal, "natural bonsai" reaching up to 8 x 6 feet in 10 years and eventually 20 x 25 feet in 90 years.
The tufted foliage is deep green.
* photos taken on Apr 7 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Mar 1 2016 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Nana Gracilis' ( Nana Gracilis Hinoki Cypress )
Dense, compact and broad-conical in habit. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 2 feet; 30 years - 15 x 10 feet ; 60 years - 18 x 13 feet; largest on record - 36 x 17 feet with diameter up to 21 inches ( after 100 years )
The heavily-textured, cupped, spreading foliage sprays are rich deep green.
* photo taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA
* photo taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Nana Lutea' ( Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress )
Compact, dwarf and upright in habit. Globe shaped when young, eventually becoming pyramidal. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 8 ( rarely over 4 ) inches; 10 years - 4 x 4 feet; 16 years - 6 x 6 feet; 90 years - 20 x 8 feet.
The compact foliage sprays are pale yellow. The foliage can burn in full sun in hot climates or where sun is reflected.
* photos taken on Aug 23 2014 @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photo taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
* photos taken on Aug 15 2024 in Kincardine, ON
'Night Light'
Compact to oval in habit with age, it reaches up to 1.8 x 1.8 feet at 3 years. 5 x 5 feet in 5 years, eventually to 50 x 20 feet.
The foliage is similar in appearance to C. pisifera 'Vintage Gold'. The layers foliage is bright yellow at first, later turning to bright green. The foliage tips turn bronze duirng winter.
Hardy zones 5 to 8. It has excellent resistance to both sun burn and winter burn.
'Pygmaea' ( Pygmy Hinoki Cypress )
A miniature Hinoki to 4 x 3 feet in 10 years and a maximum mature size of 8 x 10 feet.
The fan shaped sprays of deep green foliage turn to bronze in the winter.
* photos taken on June 22 2022 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on Sep 16 2022 in Ellicott City, MD
* photo taken on Apr 16 2023 in Ellicott City, MD
'Pygmaea Aurescens'
Forms a compact, dense, spreading, flat-topped shrub, rarely exceeding 8 feet. It is similar to 'Pygmaea' but with foliage that is bronze-gold at first, turning to dull green. During winter the foliage turns back to bronzy-gold. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 inches; 10 years - 3 x 4 feet; largest on record - 15 x 9 feet.
* photo taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore, PA
'Reis Dwarf'
Irregular and columnar in habit with a straight ascending main trunk and horizonatal side branches. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 1 foot ( when young, older plants are slow growing ); 10 years - 8 x 3 ( rarely over 5 x 3 ) feet; largest on record - 18 x 6 feet.
The twisted branches bear foliage sprays that are bright green later turning to rich deep green.
* photo taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
'Repens'
Slow growing ( to 6 inches per year ), low, spreading and flat-topped in habit, reaching a maximum size of 4.5 x 7 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 2 x 4 feet. It makes a spectacular specimen plant to trail over a low stone wall.
The finely-textured, cupped, thick, layered foliage is dense and luxuriant deep green.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Rigid Dwarf' ( Rigid Dwarf Hinoki Cypress )
Moderate growing, stiffly rigid, dense and upright-conical in habit. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 3 feet; 20 years - 6 x 5 feet; largest on record - 20 x 13 feet.
The foliage is luxuriant deep green.
* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
'Spiralis'
Slow growing, narrow, upright and spiralling in habit. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 6 inches; 10 years - 5 x 1 feet; largest on record - 16 x 11 ( extremely old ) feet. It is a great architectural plant that is also great for large courtyard containers. It is a natural bonsai that does not need pruning.
The very twisted, cupped branches bear very dense, fine-textured, very deep green foliage on flattened sprays.
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
'Split Rock'
A compact, narrow, upright, pyramidal miniature tree with a strong central leader.
It has deep green, flattened sprays of scale-like, overlapping leaves as well as blue juvenile foliage.
It has excellent textural interest.
Some records include: growth rate - 8 inches; 10 years - 10 x 6 ( rarely over 8 ) feet; largest on record - 16 x 10.8 feet.
* photo taken on Sep 9 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 17 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 3 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash DC
'Stoneham'
An extremely slow growing, dense, miniature, flattened globular form with deep green foliage. Great for the rock garden. Some records include: growth rate - 1 inch; 10 years - 8 x 8 inches.
Another form also called "Stoneham" has golden foliage, is more upright and much larger, reaching up to 4 x 3 feet in 10 years and eventually up to 12 x 8 feet
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Sunny Swirl'
Narrow and upright in habit with twisted branches. It reaches up to 1.8 x 1.2 feet in 3 years, eventually to 8 x 6 feet in size. It originated at Iseli Nursery as a sport on Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Torulosa’.
The foliage is bright golden-yellow towards the tips, bright green in the interior.
* photos taken on Apr 10 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Apr 24 2021 in Columbia, MD
'Teddy Bear'
Similar to 'Filicioides' but with denser, deep green foliage in fern-like sprays. It is upright-conical in habit, reaching up to 8 x 5 ( averaging 4 x 3 ) feet in 10 years, with a mature height of up to 15 feet.
'Templehof' ( Templehop Hinoki Cypress )
Vigorous, compact and broadly-conical in habit with whorled, coarse, flat fern-like sprays of lush, rich, glossy deep green foliage. The foliage turns bronze during winter. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 7.5 ( typically smaller and can be kept pruned to 5 x 4 ) feet; largest on record - 35 x 18 ( rarely over 25 x 15 ) feet.
Reasonably vigorous, it can be used as a natural hedge.
More heat tolerant than regular Hinoki Cypress.
* photos taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photos taken on 5 Dec 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Tetragona Aurea'
Irregular and dense with curving angled branches; The dense ferny foliage is golden-yellow. It can reach up to 13 x 5 ( rarely over 8 x 4 ) feet in 10 years and 43 x 23 feet after many decades. Largest on record - 60 x 27 feet with trunk diameter of 43 inches.
* photo taken on June 10 2010 in Columbia, MD
* historical archive photo
'Torulosa'
Moderate growing, dense and broadly-conical in habit with twisted branches bearing flattened sprats of foliage that droops at the tips. Very interesting in habit and with some selective pruning, can add an oriental effect to the landscape. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 8 inches; 10 years - 12 x 4 feet; largest on record - 25 x 20 feet.
The luxuriant foliage is bright green at first later turning to glossy deep green.
The bark is reddish.
It will look best with some pruning such as removing branches that lay on the ground in order to show off the semi-cascading habit more. During early winter, shaking out any dried old foliage will also enhance appearance.
* photo taken on July 2009 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
'Verdonii' ( Verdonii Hinoki Cypress )
Compact and upright-conical in habit, it reaches up to 8 ( averaging 4 x 4 ) feet in 10 years and eventually 16 x 6 feet. It is faster growing than 'Nana Lutea'.
The fresh new foliage is golden-yellow, later maturing to deep green and in very cold climates turning bronzy-orange during winter. The foliage does not burn in full sun. It is a golden foliaged form of 'Nana Gracilis' a seedling of which it originated.
* photo taken @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on Feb 2009
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photo taken on Apr 26 2024 in Ellicott City, MD
'Wells Special'
Strong growing and broadly-upright in habit. The foliage is similar to 'Gracilis' but denser, more twisted and less layered. The flattened, whorled sprays of feathery foliage are rich very deep green.
Some records include; 10 years - 12 x 6 feet; 20 years - 15 feet ( average ); largest on record - 35 feet.
* photo taken on Feb 17 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Oct 6 2022 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 6 2024 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Chamaecyparis pisifera ( Sawara Cypress )
A large tree growing vigorously to 3 feet per year, often 33 x 17 feet in 20 years, and eventually 80 feet or more. The largest ever known Sawara Cypress(s) in its native Japan reach up to 225 x 60 with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. Very long-lived, it can persist for as long as 1000 years.
The foliage is shiny dark green above with white markings below.
The small round cones ripen to black-brown.
The bark is red-brown peeling in thin strips.
Hardy from zones 3 to 8, it is fully hardy in zone 4b Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, Canada but lacks vigor there. It should be pruned to a single leader when young since multiple leaders often split in old trees. The Sawara grows best in humid climates and is not very drought tolerant. It is sensitive to salt.
* photo taken @ Tyler Arboretum near Philly, PA on August 2004
* photo of unknown internet origin
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo taken on July 2009 in Wilkes-Barre, PA
* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA
* photo taken on Feb 5 2014 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on Apr 11 2015 @ Belmont Estate, Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on Nov 14 2016 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on May 28 2017 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON
* sawara cypress in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
* historic archive photos
'Baby Blue'
Similar to 'Boulevard' but much more compact, only reaching at most 6 x 4 feet in 10 years, eventually up to 10 x 8 feet.
* photo taken on Apr 28 2015 in Mt Airy, MD
* photos taken on Oct 8 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 13 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 19 2016 in Howard Co, MD
* photo taken on June 28 2017 in Howard Co., MD
* photos taken on Nov 2 2017 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Boulevardi' ( Boulevard Cypress )
Fast growing, dense and conical in habit, it eventually forms a small tree unless sheared. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 6 ( rarely over 6.5 x 3 ) feet; 20 years - 17 x 10 feet; largest on record - 54 x 41 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.4 feet. This Sawara cultivar is often used for bonsais.
The silvery-blue foliage turns bronze during winter.
Prefers moist, acidic soil. It is more heat tolerant than all other Sawara Cypress cultivars, thriving as far south as Gainesville, FL & Savannah, GA.
* photo taken on July 2009 in Wilkes-Barre, PA
* photos taken on June 6 2010 in Baltimore Co., MD
* photos taken on Oct 31 2013 @ Hampton Ntl. Historic Site, Towson, MD
* photo taken on Apr 11 2015 @ Belmont Mansion, Elkridge, MD
* historical archive photo
* photo taken on May 13 2015 in Pikesville, MD
* photo taken on Jun 14 2016 in Columbia, MD
'Compacta'
A flat topped to rounded miniature, only reaching at most 1 x 2 feet in 10 years, eventually around 2 x 4 feet.
The blue-green foliage turns to bronze during winter.
'Dwarf Blue'
Very compact in habit, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 4 feet.
The very fine-textured foliage is silvery-blue, turning to bronze-copper during winter.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Filifera' ( Thread Cypress )
Very attractive long threadlike branchlets on this Sawara Cypress cultivar. One has already grown to 50 feet in Connecticut, its eventual size may be as large as 82 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.5 feet in 200 years, even more with extreme age. Some records include: 25 years - 35 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.8 feet. It thrives at Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, Canada where it has reached 60 feet.
Foliage is mid-green during spring later turning deep green.
* photos taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on Mar 23 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Apr 11 2015 @ Belmont Mansion, Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on July 26 2015 @ Niagara Parks Bot. Gardens, Niagara Falls, ON
* historical archive photo
* photos taken on Mar 31 2017 in Baltimore Co., MD
* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON
'Filifera Aurea' ( Gold Thread Cypress )
Widely conical, growing at a rate up to 2 feet per year, to 15 x 10 feet in 10 years. Largest on record is 71 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.8 feet. Cuttings can become 3 x 3 foot shrubs in 3 years. This cypress with golden-yellow threadlike foliage is sprawling at first then eventually becoming broadly conical.
* photos taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Feb 1 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Mar 7 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 23 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Apr 16 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 20 2015 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
* photos taken on Nov 9 2018 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 5 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
'Filifera Aurea Nana'
Also called 'Filifera Nana Aurea'. A dwarf, mounding form of 'Filifera Aurea' with similar foliage. Some records include: 10 years - 3 x 6 feet; 30 years - 10 x 18 feet; largest on record - 15 x 20 feet.
The stringy foliage is golden-yellow later deepening to green.
'Filifera Nana'
Flat topped to rounded with drooping threadlike mid-green foliage.
Reaches up to 3.3 x 4 feet in 10 years and eventually to 6 x 10 feet. It is reported to have reached 20 feet at Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, Canada.
* photos taken on Nov 8 2022 in Columbia, MD
'Golden Sprangle'
Strongly upright-pyramidal yet weeping in habit, reaching up to 20 x 15 feet ( record - 28 feet with trunk diameter of 1 foot ) with stringlike bright gold foliage. It may eventually develop into a tree. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 5 ( rarely over 5 ) feet. Faster growing with thicker foliage than the other 'Golden Threadleaf' Cypresses.
It can be sheared though it natural habit may be more desirable.
'Gold Mop' ( Gold Mop Cypress )
A moderate growing, dome-shaped shrub bearing long, pendulous streamers of golden-yellow branchlets.
Some records include: 10 years - 6 x 6 ( rarely over 3 x 5 ) feet; largest on record - 18 x 20 ft.
* photo taken on Columbia, MD installation
* photos taken @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on Feb 2009
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on Aug 2 2014 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
* photo taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photo taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
'Jade Waves'
Slow growing and broadly-pyramidal in habit, reaching up to 3.3 x 2.4 feet in 3 years, eventually to 8 x 4 feet. It makes a great screen or hedge.
The fernspray foliage is bright emerald green.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
* patent photo
'Kings Gold'
Reaches up to 3.5 x 4 feet in 10 years, eventually to 8 x 12 feet, it is similar to 'Gold Mop' but is more compact with foliage that is reported to be somewhat more scorch resistant.
* photo taken on Sep 2 2021 in Columbia, MD
'Lemon Thread'
A very fast growing, upright, broadly-pyramidal shrub with long pendulous bright yellow streamer branchlets. Some records include: 4 years - 5 feet; 10 years - 8 x 4 feet; 20 years - 12 x 7 feet; largest on record - 20 x 20 feet.
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Dec 12 2016 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on Mar 17 2022 in Elkridge, MD
* photo taken on July 5 2023 in Columbia, MD
'Nana'
Very dense, rounded and dwarf in habit, reaching up to only 8 x 20 inches in 10 years and eventually to 2 x 5 feet. The crowded foliage is deep green.
'Nana Aureovariegata'
Dense, rounded and dwarf in habit, reaching up to 3 x 3 feet in 10 years and eventually to 3 x 6 feet. The crowded foliage is splashed golden-yellow.
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
'Plumosa' ( Plumosa Sawara Cypress )
Green plume like foliage on this attractive Sawara Cypress cultivar. This broadly-conical tree can grow very large to 115 x 42 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.4 feet. 0ne tree 80 feet has been reported in the state of Connecticut )
The foliage is medium green.
The bark is attractive red-brown.
* photos taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore, PA
* photos taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
'Plumosa Aurea'
A conical tree, reaching up to 40 feet. The largest on record is 87 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. The fine-textured foliage is golden yellow.
* photo taken on July 26 2015 @ Niagara Parks Bot. Gardens, Niagara Falls, ON
* photos taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA
'Plumosa Aurea Nana'
A dwarf rounded version of the above, only reaching 6 x 4 ( rarely over 4 ) feet in 10 years and 13 x 8 feet at maturity. The semi-juvenile foliage is golden yellow.
* photos taken on Mar 7 2013 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
'Plumosa Compressa'
A slow growing, low dwarf shrub with foliage that is green and bunched, somewhat resembling the Hinoki's but more feathery. Some records include: 10 years - 3 x 3 feet; largest on record - 17 x 23 feet.
* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
'Plumosa Cristata'
A compact, pyramidal, small tree with soft feathery foliage that is gray-blue to blue-green. Some records include: 15 years - 20 x 15 feet.
'Plumosa Flavescens'
An attractive, low growing, very dense, broadly pyramidal to rounded in habit.
It is not as pendulous as the other "thread" cypresses with golden-yellow foliage.
Some records include: 10 years - 5 x 4 feet; largest on record - 22 x 16 feet.
* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
'Plumosa Juniperoides'
Slow growing, dense, compact and broadly-pyramidal in habit, reaching up to 12 x 8 feet in 10 years
The fine textured foliage is tipped yellow. The foliage sprays turn to golden-yellow during winter.
* photos taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Plumosa Rogersii'
A dwarf rounded version of the above, it is broadly conical in habit with golden-yellow juvenile foliage. Some records include: 10 years - 4 x 4 feet; largest on record - 13 x 8 feet.
'Pygmaea' ( Pygmy Sawara Cypress )
Dense and broad globular in habit. Some records include: 10 years - 3 x 5 feet; largest on record - 8 x 10 feet.
The flat fan-shaped foliage sprays are bright green, turning to bronze during winter.
* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
'Snow'
Dwarf, rounded and miniature with feathery, bright blue to almost powdery white new foliage. Slow growing, up to 4 inches per year; it reaches up to 2 x 2.6 feet in 10 years and 7 x 8 feet after many decades. The tender young foliage may burn on hot sunny sites.
* photos taken on Oct 23 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Wash. DC
* photo taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
'Soft Serve Gold'
Fast growing and strongly upright-pyramidal in habit with spiralling foliage. It reaches up to 3 x 2.6 feet in 3 years, eventually to 10 x 10 feet. It has been known to add up to 2.5 feet of new growth yearly during its juvenile rapid growth state.
The foliage is bright golden-yellow all year.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
'Squarrosa' ( Moss Cypress )
An irregular outlined, very dense, conical large tree with blue-green, very feathery, soft juvenile foliage. Some records include: 20 years - 33 x 23 feet; largest on record - 90 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.8 feet. The largest in the U.S. is in Montgomery County, PA.
* photos taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON
* photos taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA
'Squarrosa Intermedia' ( Blue Moss Cypress )
Fast growing and semi-pyramidal in habit, with long whiplike branches that bear tight, very dense, soft, silvery-blue foliage. Some records include: 7 years - 14 feet; 10 years - 13 x 8 ( avg 6 x 5 ) feet; 15 years - 20 feet; largest on record - 37 x 13 feet. It is often used for topiary and bonsai.
* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photos taken on Feb 8 2015 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Jul 18 2017 @ Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa, ON
'Squarrosa Pygmaea'
A dwarf, compact, rounded shrub, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 7 feet, with very feathery blue-green foliage.
'Squarrosa Sulfurea'
An upright pyramidal to columnar shrub with feathery, semi-pendulous foliage that is golden-yellow, later deepening to green. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 5 feet; 25 years - 15 x 8 feet; largest on record - 30 x 13 feet with a trunk diameter of 16 inches.
'Sungold' ( Sungold Cypress )
A very attractive, broad-spreading pendulous shrub with drooping threadlike foliage that is golden-yellow at first, later deepening to bright green. Some records include: 8 years - 4 x 4 feet; 35 years - 8 x 10 feet; largest on record - 10 x 16 feet.
It looks great combined with burgundy foliage shrubs such as Smokebush.
It is hardy north to zone 3. Plants in Grand Forks, ND are reported to be healthy despite growing on exposed site. The foliage does not burn.
* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on Dec 9 2015 in Ellicott City, MD
'Vintage Gold'
A vigorous, graceful, compact, rounded shrub, reaching up to 3 x 5 feet in 10 years, 7 x 8 feet in 20 years, with an eventual maximum size of 20 x 20 feet. With age it often develops a broadly-conical habit.
The very attractive, ferny foliage is bright golden-yellow during all seasons.
* photos taken on Oct 23 2012 in Harford Co., MD
* photo taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD
* photos taken on Nov 9 2017 in Harford Co., MD
* photos taken on Aug 3 2018 in Sandy Spring, MD
* photo taken on May 19 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 1 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 5 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 24 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Mar 17 2022 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Apr 20 2024 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 7 2024 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 9 2024 in Columbia, MD
Chamaecyparis thyoides ( Atlantic White Cypress )
A moderate growing, large, columnar conifer native to swampy areas of the east coast of the U.S. from Mississippi north to Massachussetts. From a distance it appears like a more feathery Juniperus virginiana but does NOT get Cedar Apple Rust. Commonly reaching 60 feet in height, sometimes more; some records include: 2 years - 7 feet; 10 years - 25 x 8 feet; largest on record - 135 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 6 feet. It is long-lived, up to 300 + years. Due to overharvesting for its rot resistant wood, old growth stands of this tree are virtually extinct.
The blue-gray to deep green leaves are tiny and sharp pointed. They are arranged in fan shape sprays.
The male flowers are tiny and yellow.
The cones are purplish black when ripe.
Bark is gray-brown and fibrous.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 and tolerant of swampy conditions, clay and drought.
This False Cypress does not like drought and unlike the others is not lime tolerant.
* photo from unknown source on internet
* photo taken on June 6 in Baltimore County, MD
* photos taken on Mar 18 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.
* photo taken on Apr 23 2017 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Nov 10 2020 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photos taken on June 29 2024 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 22 2024 @ Howard Comm. College, Columbia, MD
* photo taken by H.S. Graves @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photo taken by W.D. Brush @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* historical archive photos
'Andelyensis'
Conical shrub with crowded branches and sprays of juvenile blue-green foliage. Slow growing, it can reach 4 x 2 feet in 10 years and eventually 23 feet or very rarely up to a maximum size of 72 x 18 feet with a trunk diameter of 2.5 feet.
Small cones are profuse.
'Emily'
A fast growing, pyramidal form that makes an excellent windbreak; that originates at the University of Georgia. It reaches an average of 10 x 10 feet in 5 years.
The foliage is luxuriant mid-green during all seasons.
* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photos taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.
'Ericoides'
A pyramidal shrub or small tree, reaching an eventual maximum size of 40 x 10 feet. It is slow growing at first, more vigorous later, reaching up to 7 x 3 feet in 10 years.
Its feathery juvenile foliage is blue-green, turning purplish during winter.
'Glauca Pendula'
A fast growing, open, upright, pyramidal small tree, reaching up to 20 x 8 feet with weeping branchlets. Some records include: 5 years - 10 x 4 feet. It is similar to Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula' in habit and is among the most beautiful of all conifers.
The foliage is bright silvery-blue.
* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photos taken on May 27 2017 @ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA
'Heatherbun'
A slow growing, wide pyramidal, dwarf shrub with feathery foliage that can reach up to 3 x 3 feet in 5 years, 7 feet in 10 years and 10 x 10 feet with great age. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 10 inches. It may look more like a dwarf Thuja than a Cypress. A great plant for planting in large patio containers.
The blue-green foliage turns attractive plum-purple in the winter.
'Hopkinton'
Fast growing and upright-conical in habit, reaching up to 50 x 18 feet in 23 years, eventually much larger.
The very attractive foliage is intense blue-gray to blue-green.
Disease free.
* photos taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photo taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.
'Maine Strain'
Originating from wild trees in Maryland; this strain is fast growing and one of the hardiest.
'Rachel'
A clone that is disease resistant, very fast growing to a very large size. It makes a great windbreak and screen.
The elegant ferny foliage retains good color throughout the year.
'Red Star'
Slow growing, very dense and upright broad-conical in habit. Some records include: 10 years - 10 x 4 feet; largest on record - 25 x 5 feet.
The feathery, juvenile, blue-green foliage turns to plum-purple during winter.
* photos taken on Aug 19 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 26 2019 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Jan 15 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 9 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 15 2020 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Jan 26 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 26 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 27 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 13 2022 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Sep 28 2023 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Mar 26 2021 in Columbia, MD
'Yankee Blue'
Very fast growing with silvery blue foliage; similar in size and habit to species.
Hardy north to zone 4.
* photos taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014
* photo taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC
* photo taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.
* photos taken on July 26 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Nov 9 2021 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 29 2024 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 1 2024 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 23 2024 in Columbia, MD
Xanthocyparis vietnamensis ( Vietnam Golden Cypress )
A moderate growing, medium-sized tree, reaching up to 30 feet in 10 years, eventually to 50 feet, that ia closely related to the Nootka Cypress ( Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ). Maximum trunk diameter on mature trees is likely 20 inches, possibly more. It is native only to the Karst limestone mountains in northern Vietnam. It is critically endangered in the wild, all remainding trees are within 10 square miles and number just 560 in total. The Vietnam Golden Cypress was discovered as recently as 1999. It is typically pyramdial, becoming layered, spreading and flat-topped as the tree ages.
The blue-green foliage resembles that of Thujopsis dolobrata.
The bark is reddish-brown and exfoliating in thin strips on younger trees. Gray-brown or brown, fibrous and exfoliating in many strips on older trees.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil. It has proven hardier than it's native range suggests and has thrived in parts of the British Isles including at Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden in County Wicklow. It is very tolerant of hot humid summers and seems to even thrive in northern Florida. It can be grown from cuttings.
does the Chamaecyparis pisifera (Golden Mop) act as a host for apple rust?
ReplyDeleteChamaecyparis pisifera or its cultivars are fortunately not known to be a host to Cedar Apple Rust unlike some species of Juniper.
ReplyDelete