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Overview
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera' is a large, broadly pyramidal to mounded, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, a cultivar of Sawara cypress native to mountain forests of Japan, selected for its distinctive thread-like drooping branchlets. 'Filifera' means 'thread-bearing' (Latin: filum = thread). Trees grow 20–30 feet (6–9 m) tall and 15–20 feet (4.5–6 m) wide at maturity at a moderate growth rate of approximately 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. The defining character is the LONG, THREAD-LIKE BRANCHLETS that hang in pendant curtains from the main branches — slender, whip-like, and unbranched for long lengths, creating a weeping, cascading texture unlike the flattened-spray foliage of most Cupressaceae. Foliage is mid to dark green, scale-like on the thread-like stems. All three diagnostic characters of Chamaecyparis pisifera apply: fine pointed scale tips (vs. blunt in C. obtusa); tiny pea-sized cones ~0.25 inch (6 mm); and white X-shaped stomatal markings on spray undersides. The broadly pyramidal form becomes more mounded and irregular with age. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera' is a cultivar of Chamaecyparis pisifera, native to mountain forests of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, Japan. The straight species grows in humid, montane forest environments at moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera' is planted as a large specimen or accent conifer in Pacific Northwest gardens and parks where pendant thread foliage provides year-round textural contrast to flat-spray Cupressaceae. Suited to large garden and park settings given mature dimensions of 20–30 feet (6–9 m). Commonly used in mixed conifer collections alongside C. pisifera 'Filifera Aurea' for green/gold contrast.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 30'
Width/Spread15' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Chamaecyparis pisifera produces inconspicuous male and female cones in early spring. Male cones shed pollen in March–April; female cones are tiny, pea-sized (~0.25 inch / 6 mm), ripening brown by late summer. Ornamental interest is foliage-based, not flower- or cone-based.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
mid to dark green, thread-like pendant 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 partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Consistent moisture during establishment — water weekly in dry periods during the first two growing seasons. Tolerates a range of soil conditions including moderately wet soils. The thread-like form is a permanent genetic character and does not require pruning to maintain. Remove dead interior branchlets as needed in late spring after new growth has expanded. Thrives in Pacific Northwest maritime climate.Pruning
No pruning is required to maintain the thread-like form. Lower dead branchlets can be removed in late spring. The broadly pyramidal to mounded silhouette is self-sustaining. Do not shear — shearing destroys the thread character that defines this cultivar.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring