Description

Leaves: Two types of leaves; scale-like leaves cover the stem, while 20 to 30,  2" to 5" long flat, linear leaves are clustered at the end of the stem in a whorl; leaves are dark, shiny green and are grooved at the center; evergreen, remain on tree about 3 years; the arrangement of leaves at the end of the stem resembles an umbrella.

Twigs/buds: Green at first, turning orange-brown; hairless; flexible. Buds only produced at the end of the stem.

Flowers/fruit: Monoecious. Fruit is an oblong, upright cone, 2" to 4" long and 1" to 2" wide; green first year, turning brown during the second year; each cone scale bears 5 to 9, 2-winged seeds.

Bark: Thin, fairly smooth; orange to red-brown; exfoliates in long strips. Often hidden by foliage.

Wood: Little information available.

General: Native to Japan. The only species in its family. Formerly included in the Pinaceae or Taxodiaceae families. Canopy shape can be broadly pyramidal, with a straight trunk and horizontal branches. Growth rate is very slow. Somewhat shade intolerant.

Landscape Use: Not widely planted in Utah. Could make a nice accent tree due to its unique texture. One specimen planted on the Utah State University campus appears to be doing well. Zones 5-7.

Cultivars: 'Ann Haddow', 'Aurea', 'Jim Cross', 'Joe Kozey', 'Knirps', 'Ossorio Gold', 'Pendula', 'Pyramidilis Compacta', 'Richie', 'Variegata', 'Wintergreen'.

Characteristics