Microbiota decussata, Russian Cypress
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Coniferous Shrubs

Microbiota decussata

Russian Cypress

Cupressaceae
Sikhote-Alin mountains, Primorsky Krai, far eastern Russia

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-18 inches (15-45 cm)
Width72-144 inches (180-360 cm)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 7
Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer ResistantContainer Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Microbiota decussata is the Russian cypress (Siberian cypress), a prostrate evergreen conifer growing 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) tall and spreading 72–144 inches (180–360 cm / 6–12 feet). Bright green scale-like foliage in flat sprays — turning bronze-purple in winter and returning to green in spring. Monotypic: Microbiota contains only this one species. In the cypress family (Cupressaceae). The most shade-tolerant prostrate conifer groundcover — maintains dense foliage in partial shade to full shade (unlike junipers, which require full sun for dense growth). Tiny round cones 0.1 inch (2–3 mm) containing a single seed — among the smallest cones of any conifer. Discovered by Russian botanist I. K. Shishkin in 1921 on the Sikhote-Alin mountains of Primorsky Krai, far eastern Russia — described in 1923. The native habitat is alpine tundra and exposed ridges at 5,000–6,000 feet (1,500–1,800 m), where Amur tigers also range. One of the rarest conifers in the wild. Extremely cold-hardy (zone 2, −50°F / −46°C) but intolerant of hot humid summers — declines in zones 8+. Consistent moisture — does not tolerate drought (unlike junipers). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 2–7. Growth rate is slow to moderate.

Native Range

Native to the Sikhote-Alin mountains of Primorsky Krai, far eastern Russia, growing on alpine tundra and exposed ridges at 5,000–6,000 feet (1,500–1,800 m). One of the rarest conifers in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a shade-tolerant conifer groundcover in zones 2–7. The shade tolerance distinguishes it from prostrate junipers. Winter bronze-purple color. Consistent moisture required. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by bright green flat scale-like foliage sprays on a low prostrate spreading mat that turns bronze-purple in winter. Monotypic genus (only species in Microbiota). The shade tolerance and the winter color change distinguish it from prostrate junipers (which require full sun and do not change color).

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread6' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

bronze
purple

Bloom Information

Not applicable — evergreen conifer. Tiny cones 0.1 inch (2–3 mm) with a single seed. The seasonal green-to-bronze-purple foliage color transition is the primary feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Bright green, scale-like, in flat sprays; turns bronze-purple in winter

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial ShadeFull Shade
Requires 2-6 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 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Partial shade to full shade — the most shade-tolerant prostrate conifer. Consistent moisture (unlike junipers). Intolerant of hot humid summers (zones 8+). Extremely cold-hardy (zone 2). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 2–7.

Pruning

No pruning needed — the prostrate spreading form develops naturally. Remove dead branches. Do not shear.

Pruning Schedule

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

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic