Images of the Sawara Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

Sawara Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera

This cypress is native to Japan and has been planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens in the United States. This slow-growing conifer can reach heights of 35-50 m and has distinctive, much reduced, scale-like leaves with pointed tips. In Japan, its lemon-scented wood is used to construct temples, palaces, shrines, and baths.

Habitat:Planted as an ornamental, growing in full sun to part shade.

Growth Habit:Evergreen tree, growing 15-21 m tall or higher.

Presence in US:DC MA MD NY PA VA

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

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