© F. D. Richards from Clinton, MI, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Filicoides'
fernspray hinoki cypress
Species from mountain forests of Japan and Taiwan; 'Filicoides' is a garden cultivar
Overview
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Filicoides' is fernspray hinoki cypress (fern cypress), an upright narrow conifer growing 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide. Deep glossy green scale-like foliage in elongated sprays arranged in flat vertical planes resembling fern fronds. Shell-like cupping at spray tips. White X/Y stomatal markings on undersides. Reddish-brown exfoliating bark. In Cupressaceae spp.. Filicoides = fern-like. The vertical-plane fern-frond arrangement distinguishes 'Filicoides' from other C. obtusa cultivars (e.g. 'Nana Gracilis' with cupped horizontal sprays). Slow-growing (15-20 years to mature). This slow growth is the primary limitation. Not drought-tolerant. Sweet resinous fragrance. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8. Part sun. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Species native to mountain forests of Japan and Taiwan. 'Filicoides' is a garden cultivar.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen conifer, in Japanese-style gardens, and in containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L), spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). Fern-like foliage. Slow-growing. Non-toxic. Zones 4-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — conifer. Wind-pollinated. Reddish-brown pollen March-April. Small globose cones 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm).
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Deep glossy green, scale-like, in elongated foliage sprays arranged in flat vertical planes resembling fern fronds; shell-like cupping at spray tips; white X/Y stomatal markings on undersides; reddish-brown exfoliating bark; sweet resinous fragrance; evergreen year-roundGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun (3-10 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Slow-growing (15-20 years). No regular pruning needed. Sweet resinous fragrance. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 4-8.Pruning
Prune in late spring (April) if needed to shape. The natural upright narrow form requires minimal pruning. Hand-prune individual branches — do not shear.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons