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Chamaecyparis pisifera
Sawara Cypress
Mountain forests of Japan — Honshu, Shikoku, and KyushuLearn more
Overview
Chamaecyparis pisifera is a large, long-lived, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, native to mountain forests of Japan. The specific epithet pisifera means 'pea-bearing' (pisum = pea), referring to the TINY PEA-SIZED CONES approximately 0.25 inch (6 mm) — the smallest cones of the commonly cultivated Chamaecyparis species. Also called Sawara cypress. The straight species grows 50–70 feet (15–21 m) tall but is rarely planted — far more commonly represented by its numerous cultivars spanning five major foliage forms: squarrosa (fluffy juvenile foliage), plumosa (feathery intermediate foliage), filifera (thread-like drooping branchlets), nana (compact dwarf), and aurea (gold-foliaged). Distinguished from C. obtusa by finer, more pointed scale tips; smaller cones; and more open, less dense branching. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Native to mountain forests of Japan — Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.Suggested Uses
Chamaecyparis pisifera in Pacific Northwest gardens is rarely planted as the straight species — far more commonly encountered through its cultivars. 'Filifera' (thread cypress) and 'Filifera Aurea' (golden thread cypress) are among the most widely sold cultivars in the region. 'Boulevard' (squarrosa type, silvery-blue fluffy juvenile foliage) is another popular PNW garden selection. The enormous cultivar range (size, habit, foliage form, color) makes Chamaecyparis pisifera among the most versatile conifer species for the region. Educational value: the five major foliage forms within one species (squarrosa/plumosa/filifera/nana/aurea), and distinguishing Chamaecyparis pisifera from C. obtusa by cone size and scale tip sharpness.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 70'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Small reddish-brown male pollen cones release pollen in March–April. TINY GLOBOSE FEMALE CONES ~0.25 inch (6 mm) — the smallest of common Chamaecyparis — ripen from green to brown September–October. Wind-pollinated. Cones often produced abundantly even on young trees.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
TINY GLOBOSE CONES ~0.25 inch — smallest common Chamaecyparis cones; ripen green to brown Sept–Oct; pollen reddish-brown Mar–Apr; often abundant even on young trees; wind-pollinatedFoliage Description
blue-green to dark green; FINER MORE POINTED scale tips (vs. blunt in C. obtusa); white X-shaped stomatal markings on undersides; pisifera = 'pea-bearing'; TINY PEA-SIZED CONES ~0.25 inch — smallest of common Chamaecyparis; MORE OPEN/LESS DENSE branching than C. obtusa; five major cultivar foliage forms: squarrosa/plumosa/filifera/nana/aureaGrowing 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
Chamaecyparis pisifera requires full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Adaptable to a range of conditions — more tolerant of wet soils than C. obtusa. Consistent moisture preferred; avoid prolonged drought. Thrives in Pacific Northwest maritime climate. The enormous cultivar diversity allows selection of appropriate size and form for virtually any garden situation.Pruning
No pruning required for natural form of the straight species. Cultivars vary by form — thread-leaf ('Filifera') types tolerate light pruning; squarrosa and plumosa types can be sheared for formal shapes. Do not cut into bare old wood on any cultivar. Remove dead branches in spring.Pruning Schedule
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F
M
A
M
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late spring