Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis', Slender Hinoki Cypress
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Coniferous Trees

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis'

Slender Hinoki Cypress

Cupressaceae

Japan — mountain forests of Honshu and Shikoku; sacred tree in Japanese culture

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 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Overview

A narrowly pyramidal evergreen conifer reaching 20–30 feet (6–9 m) tall and 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide over many decades, with a slow, refined growth rate of 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. Foliage in flat, shell-like sprays of dark, glossy green scale-like leaves with blunt tips, held on gently pendulous branchlets that give the tree a softly drooping character. Branches layered and somewhat open — more airy and graceful than denser, more compact Hinoki cypress cultivars. Bark reddish-brown and fibrous. One of the most refined conifers for formal, Asian-inspired, or mixed conifer garden designs. Native to Japan. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8.

Native Range

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki cypress) is native to Japan, growing in mountain forests of Honshu and Shikoku. It is a sacred tree in Japan, used in shrine and temple construction for centuries. Gracilis is a cultivar selected for a slender, more graceful habit than the straight species.

Suggested Uses

Used as a refined specimen conifer in formal, Japanese-inspired, or mixed conifer gardens at 6–10 foot (1.8–3 m) spacing. The dark glossy foliage and gently weeping branching provide year-round textural contrast. Excellent as a tall narrow screen or backdrop planting. Effective in pairs flanking an entry or focal point. Long-lived and increases in character with age.

How to Identify

Identified by the narrowly pyramidal form with gently pendulous branchlets and dark glossy green foliage in flat, shell-like sprays with blunt, rounded scale tips. The somewhat open, layered branch structure distinguishes it from denser, more compact Hinoki cypress cultivars. Distinguished from Thuja plicata (western red cedar) by the blunt-tipped scales and more open, layered branching. Distinguished from Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Port Orford cedar) by the glossier, more shell-like foliage sprays and narrower form.

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

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Produces small pollen cones in spring. Round seed cones approximately 0.25–0.5 inch (6–12 mm) diameter, ripening brown in fall. Not ornamentally grown for flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Dark glossy green, scale-like with blunt rounded tips, in flat shell-like sprays on gently pendulous branchlets

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial 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
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

20–30 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Best color and density in full sun; tolerates part shade but becomes looser. Space 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) apart. Water regularly during establishment; moderately drought tolerant once established. Protect from drying winds, which can cause foliage browning. Slow-growing — plan for long-term placement. Virtually pest- and disease-free in adapted sites.

Pruning

Requires no routine pruning. Preserve the central leader. Remove dead wood in late winter. Can be lightly shaped in late spring if needed — avoid cutting into old wood, which does not regenerate.

Pruning Schedule

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

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic