Dwarf Thread Sawara False-cypress Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Nana'
- Phonetic Spelling
- kam-ay-SIP-a-ris pi-SIF-er-a
- Description
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- No true fruit - female seed-bearing cones are green when immature turning to brown.
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Flowers:
- Flower Description:
- No flowers - the pollen bearing cones are small and often reddish, growing from the branch tips.
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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
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Surface/Attachment:
- Peeling
- Bark Description:
- Peeling reddish bark
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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
