Chamaecyparis obtusa

Common name: Japanese cypress

Family name: Cupressaceae

Useful cultivars and selections:  ‘Nana Gracilis’ ‘Verdon’ ‘Densa’

USDA Hardiness Zone:  4

Mature height and spread:  8m; 7m

Form: evergreen conifer

Water use: medium

Soil requirements: average, medium moisture, well-drained soil; full sun to part shade

Leaf arrangement:  short, dense, closely pressed; lateral pair are much larger than the facial leaves; dark green above, light green below

Flower/cone/fruit description(s):  peltate, valvate scales; spiny in the center of the scale; 8mm diam

Limitations: avoid wet, poorly-drained soils; shelter from wind

Suitable uses:  specimen

Quick ID description:  light green below; peltate, valvate, spiny in the center

Photographs: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/chobg.htm