Chamaecyparis is a genus of large, coniferous trees native to North America and east Asia. As the name might suggest, they belong with other cypresses in the Cupressaceae family. In English they are usually referred to as false cypresses which is a name I do not love, given that there is nothing particularly more false about them as compared to the so-called true cypresses.
This genus contains 5 species, 4 of which are used in horticulture. I believe the most common in our area and in the Western US in general is C. lawsoniana, native to the forests of far Northern California. Unfortunately this species is severely threatened, both in the wild, and in cultivation, by Phytophthora infection.
Chamaecyparis are known for the wide variety of horticultural varieties they can produce, each differing slightly in color, foliage texture, size, and shape. This can make identification of this genus very challenging.
In general, Chamaecyparis are more often used in wetter climates and are not common in Sacramento. Some species are fairly successful in the Southeast, so they should tolerate our heat if given sufficient irrigation.
This genus contains 5 species, 4 of which are used in horticulture. I believe the most common in our area and in the Western US in general is C. lawsoniana, native to the forests of far Northern California. Unfortunately this species is severely threatened, both in the wild, and in cultivation, by Phytophthora infection.
Chamaecyparis are known for the wide variety of horticultural varieties they can produce, each differing slightly in color, foliage texture, size, and shape. This can make identification of this genus very challenging.
In general, Chamaecyparis are more often used in wetter climates and are not common in Sacramento. Some species are fairly successful in the Southeast, so they should tolerate our heat if given sufficient irrigation.