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Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Filicoides' (Fernspray Hinoki Cypress)
© F. D. Richards from Clinton, MI, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Coniferous Shrubs

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fillicoides'

Fernspray Hinoki Cypress

Cupressaceae
Species from mountain forests of Japan and Taiwan; 'Filicoides' is a garden cultivar

Learn more

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height10-15 feet (3-4.5 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity20 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantFragrant (moderate)Container Friendly
Maintenancevery low

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. 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

Identified by elongated deep glossy green foliage sprays arranged in flat vertical planes resembling fern fronds on an upright narrow conifer. The vertical-plane spray arrangement and the fern-like appearance distinguish 'Filicoides' from the cupped horizontal sprays of 'Nana Gracilis'. In Cupressaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

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-round

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclay
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

15-20 years

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

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic