Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tetragona Aurea'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- kam-ay-SIP-a-ris ob-TOO-sa
- Description
-
Golden Fernleaf Cypress is a shrubby, irregular-conical, dwarf selection of Hinoki cypress with asymmetrical, ascending to outspreading 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 shaded parts are green. It is resistant to sunburn.
Plant in any moist well-drained soil in sun to part shade. The best color is obtained in areas that get 4-5 hours of sun. Use as a specimen or in a large container.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:





- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Chamaecyparis
- Species:
- obtusa
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Grafting
- Stem Cutting
- 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, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Description:
- No true fruits, seed bearing cones.
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- No true 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