False Cypress “Lemon Thread” - Ask Extension
I bought Chamaecyparis pisifera (False Cypress, “Lemon Thread”) last autumn. When I googled it at the nursery, it said that it would grow to appro...
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False Cypress “Lemon Thread” #790695
Asked May 13, 2022, 9:36 PM EDT
I bought Chamaecyparis pisifera (False Cypress, “Lemon Thread”) last autumn. When I googled it at the nursery, it said that it would grow to approximately 4 ft. This was the conifer society website. However, when I look it up on the Oregon State horticulture site, it says it grows to 12 ft.
Which site is accurate? Do I need to move my shrub?
https://conifersociety.org/conifers/chamaecyparis-pisifera-lemon-thread
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/node/1953
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Shauna and thank you for your question to "Ask Extension". So here's what I found.
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Lemon Thread' is a slow-growing, semi-dwarf, broadly-conical, shrubby variety that will typically grow to 3-5' over the first 20 years but may eventually reach 10-12' tall. It is noted for its bright yellow thread-like foliage.
The American Conifer Society web site that you referenced stated that it would grow to four feet in "ten years" with an annual growth rate of 4-5 inches. Therefore eventually it could reach a height of 12 feet given enough time as stated by the OSU referenced web site. Pruning is not generally recommended/required for this plant.
I think that you probably will enjoy your "shrub" for a very long time and may choose to leave it in its current location. I hope that you find this information helpful and as always, Happy Gardening.
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Lemon Thread' is a slow-growing, semi-dwarf, broadly-conical, shrubby variety that will typically grow to 3-5' over the first 20 years but may eventually reach 10-12' tall. It is noted for its bright yellow thread-like foliage.
The American Conifer Society web site that you referenced stated that it would grow to four feet in "ten years" with an annual growth rate of 4-5 inches. Therefore eventually it could reach a height of 12 feet given enough time as stated by the OSU referenced web site. Pruning is not generally recommended/required for this plant.
I think that you probably will enjoy your "shrub" for a very long time and may choose to leave it in its current location. I hope that you find this information helpful and as always, Happy Gardening.
