Chamaecyparis pisifera is a coniferous evergreen tree native to Japan that has given rise to several garden worthy plants and ‘Filifer Aurea’ is one of them. It has reddish-brown bark on mature branches that peels to add interest and thin bright yellow pendulous foliage that turns golden yellow in the winter. Placed against a background of dark green holly or other evergreen, it brightens the whole area. At Christmas time the foliage can be used in arrangements to add a touch of gold to the greens. Small cones are produced by mature plants but they are not ornamentally significant. The generic name Chamaecyparis from the Greek words chamai meanging dwarf, and kuparissos, meaning cypress. The specific epithet pisifera comes from Latin words pissum meaning pea and ferre meaning bear, and refers to the small cones. The cultivar names “Filifera Aurea’ come from the Latin words fila meaning thread, ferre meaning bear, and aurea meaning golden.
Type: Evergreen tree
Outstanding Feature: Golden foliage year around
Form: Broad cone
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom: NR
Size: 25’ H x 20’ W
Light: Part shade
Soil: Average, moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Care: Can prune in late spring to improve appearance
Pests and Diseases: Generally healthy but susceptible to juniper blight, root rot and bagworms.
Propagation: Semi ripe cuttings from leading shoots
Karen Meyers