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Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis', Slender Hinoki Cypress
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Coniferous Trees

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis'

Slender Hinoki Cypress

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

Learn more

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height20-30 feet (6-9 m)
Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

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

Overview

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis' is slender hinoki cypress (graceful hinoki cypress), a narrowly pyramidal coniferous tree growing 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide. Dark glossy green scale-like foliage in flat shell-like sprays on gently pendulous branchlets. White X/Y stomatal markings on undersides. Reddish-brown fibrous bark. In Cupressaceae. Gracilis = slender/graceful. Roughly half the size of the species. The pendulous branchlets distinguish 'Gracilis' from the stiffer species form. Not to be confused with 'Nana Gracilis' (4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 m). Slow-growing (20-30 years to mature). Not drought-tolerant. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8. Part sun. Growth rate is slow.

Native Range

Species native to mountain forests of Japan and Taiwan. 'Gracilis' is a garden cultivar.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a specimen conifer, in Japanese-style gardens, and as a narrow vertical accent, spaced 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m). Narrower than species. Pendulous branchlets. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.

How to Identify

Identified by a narrowly pyramidal conifer with dark glossy green shell-like foliage sprays on gently pendulous branchlets. The pendulous branch tips and the narrowly pyramidal form distinguish 'Gracilis' from the broader species and from the much smaller 'Nana Gracilis'. In Cupressaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Not applicable — conifer. Wind-pollinated. Small globose cones 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm). March-April.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Dark glossy green, scale-like with blunt rounded tips, in flat shell-like sprays on gently pendulous branchlets; white X/Y stomatal markings on undersides; reddish-brown fibrous bark; sweet resinous fragrance; evergreen year-round

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
Requires 4-8 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 Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20-30 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part sun to full sun (4-8 hours). Well-drained acidic soil pH 5.0-6.5. Not drought-tolerant. Slow-growing (20-30 years). Minimal pruning needed. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 5-8.

Pruning

Prune in early spring (February-March) if needed. The natural narrowly pyramidal form requires minimal shaping. Hand-prune — do not shear.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic