1 / 3
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis'
Slender Hinoki Cypress
Japan — mountain forests of Honshu and Shikoku; sacred tree in Japanese cultureLearn more
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
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 branchletsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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