Dwarf threadleaf false-cypress is a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form in the Cupressaceae (cypress) family and native to Japan. The genus name derives from the Greek words chamai , for dwarf or low to the ground, and kyparissos , for "cypress." The species epithet, pisifera, is Latin meaning “pea-bearing” and refers to the small, rounded cones borne by this plant. Plant in any moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and give it good air circulation. This dwarf cultivar will grow as large as 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide and is drought resistant once established. It lends a fine and delicate texture to the landscape with its threadlike, green leaves on long, pendulous branches. The reddish peeling bark adds additional interest. Use ‘Filifera Nana’ in the middle or back of a border, foundation planting, rock garden, or small grouping. Its diminutive size makes it an excellent accent for small spaces or planted in a row as a low hedge. The evergreen needles and interesting bark make it a landscape staple for year round or winter interest. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Somewhat susceptible to bagworms, root rot, and juniper blight. See Clemson's publication on root rot . VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for " Trees, Shrubs and Conifers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Chamaecyparis pisifera .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheChamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea'Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cream Ball'Salvia rosmarinus
Native alternativesJuniperus communis var. depressa
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Shrub
Life cycle
Woody
USDA zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Rounded
Texture
Fine
Foliage
Needled Evergreen
Leaf color
Green; White
Leaf type
Needles
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf size
< 1 inch long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Light green, lacy, scale and thread-like leaves
Flower detail
No flowers - the pollen bearing cones are small and often reddish, growing from the branch tips.
Fruit size
< 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
No true fruit - female seed-bearing cones are green when immature turning to brown.
Bark color
Red/Burgundy
Bark detail
Peeling reddish bark
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Lawn; Small Space
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Rock Garden
Design feature
Accent; Border; Foundation Planting; Hedge; Small groups; Specimen