Hinoki Cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold'
ABOUT
Fernspray Gold is a visually striking plant known for its unique foliage that offers an impression of being finely dissected, almost fern-like, hence its name. The leaves have a soft, feathery appearance, with their sprays arranged in a somewhat irregular, outward-reaching pattern, giving the plant a somewhat graceful and airy feel. The coloration of Fernspray Gold is a key aspect of its appeal. The foliage boasts a vibrant golden-yellow hue that tends to be brighter when the leaves are young and receiving more sunlight. This golden color can become more muted or shift to a deeper green in the plant's inner sections or when the foliage is older or in shadier conditions. Additionally, the plant has a dense, multi-layered structure, with foliage that can stay lush and colorful throughout the year. The evergreen nature of Fernspray Gold ensures that it maintains its decorative appeal across seasons. The overall form is slightly irregular and sculptural, allowing it to stand out in garden landscapes as a specimen plant without reference to its specific size. It's worth noting that young plants can look substantially different from mature specimens, as young plants have more soft, open growth before they become more dense and elaborate in their form as they mature.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Fernspray Gold Hinoki Cypress, Golden Fernspray Cypress, Fernspray Gold Cypress
Common names
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Hinoki cypress is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant is not recommended. If ingested, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset since non-food plants often contain compounds that can be irritating to the digestive system. If symptoms appear after ingestion or if there is a suspected allergic reaction, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Hinoki cypress is not listed as toxic to pets. While not specifically poisonous, it's not advisable for pets to consume plant material. Doing so may result in gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea due to the irritation of the stomach and intestines from the unusual plant matter ingestion. If a pet displays symptoms after consuming the plant, it is wise to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gold
Height
10 feet [3 meters]
Spread
6 feet [1.8 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold', commonly known as Hinoki Cypress, features golden-yellow foliage that adds color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for xeriscaping purposes.
- Low Maintenance: The Hinoki Cypress requires minimal pruning and care, making it an attractive option for those looking for an easy-to-maintain shrub.
- Winter Interest: It retains its foliage year-round, offering a splash of color even in the winter months when other plants might be dormant.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion and providing support for surrounding soil and plants.
- Habitat Provision: Can provide habitat and shelter for birds and other small wildlife, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it serves as an effective privacy screen or hedge, naturally delineating spaces within a garden or property.
- Windbreak: When planted in groups, Hinoki Cypress can act as a windbreak, protecting gardens and buildings from harsh winds.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: Hinoki wood, derived from the Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold', is highly valued for its texture, longevity, and its resistance to rot, making it an excellent material for fine furniture and traditional Japanese construction.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil from the Hinoki cypress is used in aromatherapy for its woodsy, relaxing fragrance that can help to alleviate stress and improve mood.
- Cultural & Religious Significance: In Japan, Hinoki is traditionally used for making religious shrines and artifacts due to its durability and sacred status.
- Gardening: Its unique foliage and structure make the Hinoki cypress a popular choice for garden displays, creating a focal point or serving as a foundation plant in landscaping.
- Bonsai Cultivation: The Hinoki cypress can be trained as a bonsai, with enthusiasts appreciating its scale-like foliage and ability to shape into various bonsai styles.
- Scented Decor: Twigs and branches of the Hinoki cypress are sometimes used in home decor for their pleasant, lemon-scented fragrance which can naturally freshen up a room.
- Privacy Screens: Due to its dense growth habit, the Hinoki cypress is often planted as a privacy screen in gardens and around patios.
- Sound Barrier: The dense foliage of the Hinoki cypress can help reduce noise pollution when planted along roadsides or around residential areas.
- Wood Carving: The fine grain of Hinoki wood makes it a favorable choice for intricate wood carving projects and artisanal crafts.
- Ornamental Cones: The small cones of the Hinoki cypress can be collected and used as natural ornaments in decorative arrangements or as part of craft projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hinoki cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hinoki cypress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Hinoki cypress, a close relative of the 'Fernspray Gold', is known for its longevity, representing the idea of living a long and fruitful life.
- Strength: Cypress trees in general symbolize strength and are often associated with the ability to withstand tough conditions, a testament to resilience and durability.
- Sanctity: The wood of the Hinoki cypress is used in traditional Japanese temple construction, symbolizing sacredness and the divine.
- Purity: Because of its association with sacred places, the Hinoki cypress also represents purity and the cleansing of the soul.
- Peace: Cypress trees are often found in cemeteries and memorial parks, where they represent eternal peace and the hope for tranquility in the afterlife.
WaterThe Hinoki cypress should be watered deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. The root system benefits from a thorough soaking, which means you might provide around 1 to 2 gallons of water for younger plants every week during the growing season, depending on your local climate and soil conditions. During hot or dry periods, increase the frequency to ensure the roots stay moist. In the winter, you can reduce watering, but avoid letting the soil become completely dry. Always adjust watering based on rainfall, temperature, and soil moisture content to prevent overwatering and root rot.
LightThe Hinoki cypress thrives best in spots that receive full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight a day. A location that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is excellent, especially in regions with very hot summers, to prevent the foliage from scorching.
TemperatureThe Hinoki cypress prefers a temperate climate and can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F to as high as 80°F, though it will thrive best in conditions that are cool to moderate. Ideal growing temperatures for this plant range between 60°F and 70°F. Sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided to prevent stress on the plant.
PruningPruning the Hinoki cypress is important to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Light pruning can be done in the late winter to early spring before new growth starts. It is best to prune selectively, cutting back any overgrown branches to a side shoot or bud, and removing only the necessary amount of growth. Avoid heavy pruning as this can damage the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold' thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.0 to 7.0. A mix with 1 part peat, 1 part pine bark, and 1 part coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and root aeration. Regular organic matter enrichment can also benefit its growth.
RepottingHinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and encourage healthy growth. Younger plants may need more frequent repotting, while mature plants can be repotted less often.
Humidity & MistingHinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold' prefers moderate to higher humidity levels, around 50% to 70%. To maintain optimal humidity, it can be grown outdoors in a naturally humid climate or in a garden setting that helps to retain moisture in the air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid dry heat sources.
Outdoor
Plant in moist, well-drained soil; partial to full sun.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Hinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold' (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold') begins with the germination of seeds, which typically requires a period of stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, establishing a root system and developing its characteristic fern-like, golden foliage. As it matures, the Hinoki cypress enters the vegetative stage, where growth continues with the plant increasing in both height and girth, gradually taking on its mature conical form. Reproduction occurs when the plant reaches maturity and starts producing cones; female cones are globular and produce seeds, while male cones release pollen for fertilization. After many years of growth and reproduction, the plant eventually enters old age, where growth slows and it may become more susceptible to disease and adverse environmental conditions. The life cycle is completed when the plant dies, at which point it may release seeds into the soil, potentially giving rise to new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The Hinoki cypress 'Fernspray Gold' is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in late summer. A semi-hardwood cutting is a piece of stem taken from the current year's growth that has begun to mature and firm up. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches long is snipped, ideally just below a node. The lower leaves are stripped away, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist and under partial shade until roots develop. This can take several weeks, and during this time, the cutting should be kept in stable conditions without extreme temperature variations.
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