Fernspray Hinoki Cypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Filicoides'
A slow-growing evergreen conifer with congested, fern-like sprays of foliage on a dense pyramidal form.
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‘Filicoides’ is a distinctive Hinoki cypress cultivar prized for its congested, fern-like sprays of foliage — its name literally means “fern-like.” The dense, pendant branchlets give it a texture unlike almost any other conifer, on a slow-growing, narrowly pyramidal frame.
A slow, textural conifer
Where the straight species can eventually tower 50–75 feet, ‘Filicoides’ stays compact — typically 8–12 feet tall and just 3–4 feet wide even after many years — making it a good fit for foundation plantings or as a specimen where a tall, narrow evergreen accent is wanted without eventually overwhelming the space.
Care tips
Give it moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun to part shade, with some shelter from harsh winter wind. It needs little pruning beyond light shaping, and — like other false cypress — won’t resprout from bare wood, so avoid cutting back into leafless branches. Watch for bagworms, root rot, and juniper blight.
Habitat & form
Where it's from and what to expect.
- Native range
- Japan and Taiwan
- Plant type
- Conifer
- Mature size
- 8–12 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide — slow growing; the straight species can reach 50–75 ft, but this cultivar stays much smaller.
- Bloom
- No true flowers; evergreen, fern-like sprays of congested, thread-like foliage year-round.
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–8.
Care
How to keep it happy.
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade; benefits from some shelter from harsh winter wind.
- Water
- Regular water while establishing; somewhat drought-tolerant once mature. Avoid wet, poorly drained sites.
- Soil
- Moist, fertile, well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral; does not tolerate soggy ground.
- Planting distance
- 3–5 ft apart, based on mature spread.
- Propagation
- Cuttings
- Pruning
- Minimal — light shaping only as needed to maintain its narrow pyramidal form. Avoid cutting into bare, leafless wood, as false cypress won't resprout from it.
- Pet safety
- Non-toxic