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Coniferous Trees
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera'
Thread Cypress
CupressaceaeJapan
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height20–30 feet (6–9 m)
Width15–20 feet (4.5–6 m)
Maturity20 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 - 8Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow
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
Colors
Flower Colors
brown
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
inconspicuous; tiny brown conesFoliage Description
mid to dark green, thread-like pendant branchletsGrowing 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 Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
15–20 years
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