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Native alternative(s) for Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Squarrosa':
Chamaecyparis thyoides Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard' Form
Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'
Taxus baccata
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Squarrosa' has some common insect problems:
Bagworms in Ornamental Landscapes

Squarrosa False-cypress Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Squarrosa'

Other Common Name(s):

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

'Squarrosa' is cultivar of a large evergreen conifer native to Japan and belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). 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 tree. The cultivar name, 'Squarrosa,' is Latin for rough, and refers to the fact that the needles stand erect on the branches on juvenile shoots. This cultivar originated in Japan and was brought to Europe in the mid-19th century.

This fast growing  needled evergreen tree has a conical form that can be grown as a tree or large shrub at a rate of 1 and 1/2 feet per year to reach 12 to 18 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, over a long period of time and given enough space it may reach heights of 30-65 feet tall. 

The blue green to gray soft needles stand erect from the branches and are highly ornamental. Plant in any moist well-drained soil with protection from the wind in sun to part shade. Interior branches tend to die back and become unattractive, necessitating regular pruning to remove dead wood.

Often used as a focal point or specimen tree in a lawn, at the back of a border, or as a screening plant.

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

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

 

More information on Chamaecyparis pisifera.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Mountain Ridge Top Garden - North Woods
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#specimen#blue green needles#showy leaves#accent plant#fast growing#needled evergreen#screening#background planting#evergreen shrub#evergreen tree#border back#partial shade tolerant#yellow needles#dense growth#landscape plant sleuths course
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#specimen#blue green needles#showy leaves#accent plant#fast growing#needled evergreen#screening#background planting#evergreen shrub#evergreen tree#border back#partial shade tolerant#yellow needles#dense growth#landscape plant sleuths course
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaecyparis
    Species:
    pisifera
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Grafting
    Root Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 18 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Conical
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    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
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Description:
    No true fruits, seed bearing cones start out green turn brown.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Description:
    No true flowers, pollen bearing cones.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Green to blue gray feathery soft needles in opposite pairs 6 mm long and stand out at 45 to 90 degree angles from the branches.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Red/Burgundy
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Screen/Privacy
    Specimen