Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Lemon Thread'
Tried and True Recommended by 4 Professionals
Common Name: Japanese falsecypress
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Cupressaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Garden Location: Spoehrer Children's Garden
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaves: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Drought

Culture

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. The yellow foliage of ‘Lemon Thread’ may scorch in full sun in the St. Louis area where best foliage may occur with some afternoon shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils. Shelter from strong winds.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chamaecyparis pisifera, commonly called Sawara cypress, is a conical evergreen conifer with a crown that opens with age. It typically grows to 70’ tall. ‘Lemon Thread’ is a slow-growing, semi-dwarf, broadly-conical, shrubby variety that will typically grow to 3-5’ over the first 20 years but may eventually reach 10-12’ tall. It is noted for its bright yellow thread-like foliage. Foliage can be quite attractive in winter. Small cones appear only on mature plants. Peeling, reddish-orange bark develops on mature plants.

Problems

No known serious insect or disease problems. Plants in the genus Chamaecyparis generally have some susceptibility to juniper blight, root rot and certain insect pests such as bagworms.

Garden Uses

Excellent small specimen with year round interest.