Fauna
Plant

Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa

Also known as Japanese False Cypress, Hinoki Falsecypress, Japanese Cypress

Hinoki cypress is a stately evergreen conifer celebrated for its rich aromatic heartwood and graceful fan-like foliage sprays. Wild trees develop dense columnar or conical crowns and fibrous reddish-brown bark that peels in vertical strips. Its decay-resistant wood has served as the revered structural foundation for centuries-old Japanese temples and shrines, including the Grand Shrine of Ise.

EvergreenConiferAromatic
Hinoki Cypress reference1 / 7
(c) Σ64, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Sika deer (seedlings)
  • Bark beetles
ThreatsHistorical overlogging, habitat fragmentation, and commercial plantation replacement
HabitatsMontane temperate forests, humid mountain slopes, and sheltered river valleys
Life span500–1,000+ years
Classification
  1. OrderPinales
  2. FamilyCupressaceae
  3. GenusChamaecyparis
  4. SpeciesChamaecyparis obtusa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for tall forest conifers with frond-like, drooping sprays of scale leaves and rounded cones measuring 8 to 12 mm across.
Support conservation
Stay on designated trails to avoid trampling delicate seedling beds and compacting soil around mature root zones.
Responsible observation
  • Foliage Check: Look for blunt, scale-like leaves with distinctive Y-shaped white wax bands beneath.
  • Bark Texture: Observe the stringy, reddish bark peeling in vertical ribbons without touching or peeling it.
  • Aroma: Crush a dropped leaf between fingers to catch the distinct lemony cedar scent.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…