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Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop' is often confused with:
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea' Close up
Native alternative(s) for Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop':
Juniperus communis var. depressa Juniperus comunis var. depressa
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cream Ball' Form
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Nana' Form
Verbena canadensis Verbena canadensis
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop' has some common insect problems:
Bagworms in Ornamental Landscapes

Golden Mop Chamaecyparis Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'

Other Common Name(s):

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

'Golden Mop' is a yellow needled evergreen shrub cultivar in the cypress family (Cupressaceae ). The species is native to Japan. The cultivar originated in the mid-20th century as a mutation of C. pisifera 'Filifera Aurea.' It differs from the parent cultivar by having brighter color, finer foliage, and a slower rate of growth. 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. The cultivar name comes from its yellow-green foliage and similarity in shape to a mop.

It grows slowly, up to 5 feet tall and wide with a rounded, pyramidal form, but may take up to 10 years to reach 2 feet in height. This plant does best in sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moist to average soils. It tolerates some drought once it becomes established. This is a low-maintenance plant that seldom needs pruning.

The pendulous and whip-like foliage holds its color throughout the year. Exfoliating peeling reddish brown bark adds to the plants visual interest.

Use this uniquely colored evergreen shrub in small groups in rock gardens, plant along a foundation or as a specimen in the landscape for winter interest. Its small size make it an excellent choice for a patio planting or planted in a row as a low hedge

Quick ID Hints:  

  • Dwarf shrub
  • Scale-like leaves
  • Green/gold color

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.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscapes:
Relaxed Foundation Planting Asian Garden- Zen Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small spaces#drought tolerant#interesting bark#specimen#slow growing#low maintenance#fall interest#year-round interest#foundation planting#summer interest#rock garden#spring interest#exfoliating bark#small group plantings#yellow needles#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small spaces#drought tolerant#interesting bark#specimen#slow growing#low maintenance#fall interest#year-round interest#foundation planting#summer interest#rock garden#spring interest#exfoliating bark#small group plantings#yellow needles#cpp
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaecyparis
    Species:
    pisifera
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Conical
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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 pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Fruit Description:
    No true fruit - female seed-bearing cones are green when immature turning to browbrn.
  • 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:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Bright, golden, thread-like foliage Dwarf mounding; forms broad pyramid with rounded crown with age
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Surface/Attachment:
    Exfoliating
    Peeling
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Garden for the Blind
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought