Fauna
Plant

Sawara Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera

Also known as Sawara, Sawara False Cypress, Pea-fruited False Cypress

Sawara cypress is a tall, graceful evergreen conifer that forms a conical crown with reddish-brown stringy bark that peels in long strips. Its flattened foliage sprays bear small, scale-like leaves marked beneath with distinct chalky-white stomatal patches resembling small butterflies. Widely cultivated for its light, durable, lemon-scented timber and ornamental beauty, the species has given rise to numerous garden forms displaying feathery, moss-like, or golden foliage.

EvergreenConiferMontane
Sawara Cypress reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
ThreatsHistorical overharvesting, habitat fragmentation, and localized drought
HabitatsMoist temperate montane valleys, forested mountain slopes, and cultivated parks
Life span200–500+ years
Classification
  1. OrderPinales
  2. FamilyCupressaceae
  3. GenusChamaecyparis
  4. SpeciesChamaecyparis pisifera
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.
Responsible observation
  • Foliage check: Look at the underside of branchlets to find distinctive white, butterfly-shaped markings.
  • Cone inspection: Examine the tiny, spherical pea-sized cones, which have 10 to 12 wrinkled scales.
  • Bark texture: Notice the fibrous, reddish-brown bark that peels in vertical strips along the trunk.
Related species
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