Hinoki Cypress Tree Seeds (Chamaecyparis obtusa)
Hinoki Cypress Tree Seeds (Chamaecyparis obtusa)
Elegant, enduring, and refined.
Chamaecyparis obtusa, also known as Hinoki Cypress or Japanese White Cedar, is a graceful evergreen native to central Japan. Long revered for its use in palaces, temples, and shrines, this slow-growing conifer is prized for both beauty and utility. With fan-shaped sprays of dark green foliage, reddish-brown bark that peels in ribbons, and an earthy, resinous fragrance, Hinoki embodies timeless elegance in the garden and cultural heritage in Japanese tradition.
Why Choose Hinoki Cypress?
- Native to Japan, widely grown as an ornamental tree and bonsai
- Dark green, feathery foliage and striking reddish-brown bark
- Highly valued timber used in traditional Japanese architecture
- Leaves contain natural aromatic oils used in incense and traditional medicine
- Versatile as a specimen tree, screen, or bonsai
Growing Details
- Botanical Name: Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Common Names: Hinoki Cypress, Japanese White Cedar
- Stratification: Recommended (30–60 days cold stratification)
- USDA Zones: 4–8
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils preferred
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Height: Up to 75 feet
- Spread: 10–20 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
- Lifespan: Centuries under proper care
FAQ
Can Hinoki Cypress be grown as bonsai?
Yes. Hinoki is one of the most popular bonsai subjects thanks to its fine foliage texture and elegant natural form.
What is Hinoki Cypress wood used for?
Its aromatic, durable wood has been prized for centuries in Japanese temples, shrines, and palaces. It’s also used for incense and fine woodworking.
Does Hinoki Cypress cause allergies?
In Japan, Hinoki pollen can cause mild seasonal allergies, but gardeners outside Japan rarely experience issues.
Related Seeds
- Japanese Maple Tree Seeds – Elegant form and fiery fall color
- Katsura Tree Seeds – Heart-shaped leaves with refined structure
- Japanese Umbrella Pine Seeds – Unique evergreen texture and architectural shape
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with detailed planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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