False Cypress

False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

Sawara Cypress, Japanese False Cypress

Full to part sun, moderately moist and well-drained, prefers slightly acid to neutral pH 5.5–6.5; tolerates clay if drainage is adequate.

Landscape cultivars commonly sold in Tennessee top out at 5–20 feet; upright species-type selections can reach 20–25 feet over many decades; thread-leaf cultivars ('Filifera', 'Filifera Aurea') typically 6–8 feet; blooms inconspicuous; spreads by seed or cuttings.

Propagation: hardwood cuttings in late autumn or semi-hardwood in summer; seed requires no pretreatment.

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; ornamental introduction from Japan.

Landscape performance in Middle Tennessee varies sharply by cultivar. Dwarf and thread-leaf cultivars are the most common selections and hold their compact form without heavy pruning. The subtropical humidity of Zone 7a makes bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) the dominant pest concern — inspection each June and hand-removal of early bags prevents defoliation that can kill branch tips permanently. Canker diseases establish more readily on plants stressed by summer drought; consistent soil moisture during establishment reduces susceptibility. False cypress does not regenerate from bare interior wood once stripped of foliage, so over-shearing damages branch structure irreversibly. Prune selectively with hand tools rather than hedge shears.