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Native alternative(s) for Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Nana':
Juniperus communis var. depressa Juniperus comunis var. depressa
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea' Close up
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cream Ball' Form
Salvia rosmarinus Rosmarinus officinalis
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Nana' has some common insect problems:
Bagworms in Ornamental Landscapes
Juniper Pest Management Calendar

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Nana'

Phonetic Spelling
kam-ay-SIP-a-ris pi-SIF-er-a
Description

Dwarf threadleaf false-cypress is a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form in the Cupressaceae (cypress) family and native to Japan. The genus name derives from the Greek words chamai, for dwarf or low to the ground, and kyparissos, for "cypress." The species epithet, pisifera, is Latin meaning “pea-bearing” and refers to the small, rounded cones borne by this plant.

Plant in any moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and give it good air circulation. This dwarf cultivar will grow as large as 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide and is drought resistant once established.

It lends a fine and delicate texture to the landscape with its threadlike, green leaves on long, pendulous branches. The reddish peeling bark adds additional interest. 

Use ‘Filifera Nana’ in the middle or back of a border, foundation planting, rock garden, or small grouping. Its diminutive size makes it an excellent accent for small spaces or planted in a row as a low hedge. The evergreen needles and interesting bark make it a landscape staple for year round or winter interest.

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 pisifera.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#small spaces#drought tolerant#interesting bark#shrub#showy leaves#pendulous#winter interest#fall interest#dwarf#accent plant#year-round interest#foundation planting#rounded#summer interest#rock garden#spring interest#border back#border middle#small group plantings#partial shade tolerant#low hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#small spaces#drought tolerant#interesting bark#shrub#showy leaves#pendulous#winter interest#fall interest#dwarf#accent plant#year-round interest#foundation planting#rounded#summer interest#rock garden#spring interest#border back#border middle#small group plantings#partial shade tolerant#low hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaecyparis
    Species:
    pisifera
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    No true fruit - female seed-bearing cones are green when immature turning to brown.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers - the pollen bearing cones are small and often reddish, growing from the branch tips.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    White
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Light green, lacy, scale and thread-like leaves
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Surface/Attachment:
    Peeling
    Bark Description:
    Peeling reddish bark
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought