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Native alternative(s) for Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tetragona Aurea':
Juniperus communis var. depressa Juniperus comunis var. depressa
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard' Form
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cream Ball' Form
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Snow' close up
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tetragona Aurea' has some common insect problems:
Bagworms in Ornamental Landscapes

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tetragona Aurea'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
kam-ay-SIP-a-ris ob-TOO-sa
Description

'Tetragona Aurea'  or golden fernleaf cypress is a cultivar in the Cupressaceae (cypress) family and is native to Japan  This dwarf selection of hinoki cypress is a woody, needled evergreen shrub has a conical habit and will slowly grow to 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. The genus name derives from the Greek word chamai, for dwarf or low to the ground, and kyparissos, for cypress.

Plant in any moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in full sun or deep shade. The best color is obtained in areas that get 4 to 5 hours of sun. It is resistant to sunburn, browsing by deer and damage from wind.

Golden ferneaf cypress is distinguished by asymmetrical, ascending to spreading branches that flatten or slightly nod at the tips. This creates an interesting textural quality as the leaves resemble fern fronds. Exposed surfaces are attractive bright gold in color, while the interior parts are green. 

Place it in the back of a border, as a specimen in a lawn, or in a large container. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Somewhat susceptible to bagworms, root rot, and juniper blight.  See Clemson's publication on root rot.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

 

More information on Chamaecyparis obtusa.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#conical#specimen#shrub#slow growing#yellow leaves#low maintenance#winter interest#fall interest#accent plant#wind tolerant#deer resistant#summer interest#spring interest#border back#lawn planting#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#conical#specimen#shrub#slow growing#yellow leaves#low maintenance#winter interest#fall interest#accent plant#wind tolerant#deer resistant#summer interest#spring interest#border back#lawn planting#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaecyparis
    Species:
    obtusa
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Japan
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Conical
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Description:
    No true fruits, seed bearing cones.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers, pollen bearing cones.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Orange
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The scale-like leaves are held upright and have a ferny appearance. Color is yellow on outer leaves and green interior leaves.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Lawn
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Wind