Cryptomeria japonica Elegans Group (N)

Common name: Japanese cedar

Family name: Cupressaceae

USDA Hardiness Zone:  6

Useful cultivars and selections: ‘Elegans Aurea‘ ‘Elegans Compacta’ ‘Elegans Nana’ ‘Elegans Variegata’ ‘Elegans Viridis’

Mature height and spread:  2m; 1.5m

Form: evergreen conifer

Water use: medium

Soil requirements: moist, rich, acidic, well-drained soils; full sun

Leaf arrangement:  soft feathery, spiral; green in summer but rich brownish red in winter

Flower/cone/fruit description(s): cones smaller than those of species, cone cluster on the tip of the brunch

Limitations: give space to show off; damage by wet snow

Suitable uses:  rock garden plants

Quick ID description:  soft feathery

Photographs:

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/crjae.htm