Hinoki cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa
Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cupressaceae family, native to Central and southern Japan. It grows 6–15 m (20–49 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 3.5 m (11 ft) apart.
Plan Hinoki cypress in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Hinoki cypress at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Mature height | 6–15 m (20–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3.5 m (11 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central and southern Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Hinoki cypress toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: foliage, wood oils
Cypress oils can irritate skin and stomach; pet toxicity is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hinoki cypress
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Hinoki cypress in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- New York Botanical Garden (3 plants)
Questions about Hinoki cypress
- How far apart should I plant Hinoki cypress?
- About 3.5 m (11 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Hinoki cypress need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hinoki cypress need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Hinoki cypress?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Hinoki cypress flower?
- From about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hinoki cypress poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Cypress oils can irritate skin and stomach; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with Hinoki cypress?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hinoki cypress. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Prefers cool, moist, acidic soil and shelter from drying winds; dwarf cultivars stay under 2 m.
- Values are for the full-size species form.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Creeping juniper Juniperus horizontalis
- Leyland cypress x Cuprocyparis leylandii
- Dawn redwood Metasequoia glyptostroboides
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
- Northern white cedar (arborvitae) Thuja occidentalis
- Common juniper Juniperus communis
- Coast redwood Sequoia sempervirens