False-cypress Chamaecyparis

False-cypress is a member of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It is an evergreen conifer native to the North American coasts and temperate East Asia. The genus name derives from the Greek words chamai, for "dwarf or low to the ground" and kuparissos, for "cypress." This is a group of medium to large trees from 50 to 90 feet tall in the landscape, or even taller in the wild.

These trees are low maintenance and tolerate full sun to part shade, preferably in moist, well-drained soil. Moderate pruning will help maintain its conical form and ethically pleasing shape. They will tolerate drought and moderate amounts of salt as well as browsing by deer and rabbits. Cuttings may be rooted in late summer for propagation.

Cypress trees provide vertical interest to the landscape as a handsome specimen and are sometimes grouped in hedges. In the home landscape, compact or dwarf cultivars are popular as small accents or specimen trees, providing winter interest. Use cypress trees in formal English, or Asian gardens, or along riparian areas.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Minor insect pests include bagworms, witches' broom, spindle burl gall.  This species has some susceptibility to juniper blight (Phomopsis juniperovora) and root rot.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.