Botanical family: Cupressaceae

Cryptomeria japonica

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Japanese cedar is the national tree of Japan, commonly planted around temples, with many hugely impressive trees planted centuries ago. It can be difficult to grow from seed.

Fokienia hodginsii

Fokienia hodginsii is an evergreen tree, 25-30 m tall. It has greyish-brownish bark that peels off when the tree is young. On older trees, the bark presents longitudinal fissures and becomes aromatic. The leaves are arranged in flattened branchlet systems, with the branchlets in one plane.

The tree does not tolerate shade, and requires mild climate and abundant rainfall to grow best.

Juniperus chinensis

This hardy and low-maintenance plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be used for bonsai. It's an evergreen conifer bearing blue-green cones and foliage of both juvenile and adult leaves. The needles of young growth are wedge shaped with sharp points and arranged in sets of two or three. Adult leaves are diamond shaped, overlapping flat on the twigs in four ranks like fish scales. There are many various cultivars with different growth habit, foliage color and needle types.

Juniperus chinensis grows into a large shrub up to 5-10 ft tall and can also become a small tree of 10-20 ft or even bigger than 20 ft tall. It needs full sun and moderate water for optimal growth. The mature plant is suitable for USDA Zones 4-10.

Growing Chinese juniper in colder regions (in pot for instance) can be quite challenging since it needs both cold and warmth. In winter, put the pot in a sheltered place and wrap the pot with insulating material to avoid freezing. In summer, the plant should receive full sun exposure and regular watering. Additionally, regular pruning is needed to maintain its shape.

Juniperus sp.

Species and varieties:

Juniperus cedrus

Juniperus chinensis

Juniperus communis

Juniperus communis 'Repanda'

Juniperus horizontalis

Juniperus virginiana

Taxodium distichum

Taxodium distichum, commonly known as Bald cypress is a deciduous conifer native to swamps and wetlands of the Florida and Southeastern United States. A beautiful ornamental large tree, it typically reaches heights of tall 20 ft or more and is naturally very symmetrical in shape. It is commonly used in landscaping to line avenues and frame parks.

Taxodium distichum can also tolerate harsh environmental conditions, such as temperature extremes and extreme light or water levels. It is flood tolerant and even grows near sea-level in some areas, where it can tolerate salt spray. In colder regions, growing Taxodium distichum in a pot is possible. Ensure the soil is kept moist and provide plenty of direct sunlight. In cold climates, the soil should be mixed with compost, which helps create a warmer, more moist environment for the tree.

Taxodium distichum grows in USDA Zones 4-9. The tree offers interest in the landscape all year round. The foliage is a light to medium green hue in summer and gold, rusty brown and orange colors in autumn. Additionally, its bark is soft and fibrous and exfoliates in strips when mature.

This is a great tree for urban and coastal areas, as it is able to withstand pollution and wind. It may be used in windbreaks and living fences, to give the landscape a unique and colorful touch. Taxodium distichum is an ideal ornamental tree that can be used to shape and create a beautiful landscape.

Taxodium mucronatum, Taxodium mexicanum, Cuprespinnata mexicana

In Mexico, it is known as Ahuehueta, meaning "old man of the water". This deciduous tree of wetlands has broad, spreading crown with strong, horizontal branches and delicate, weeping branchlets. The leaves are 0.24 to 0.48 inch (6-12 mm) long. The roots of trees growing in standing water often send up conical projections ("knees"). Before the leaves drop, they turn spectacular bright orange to rusty brown. Usually occurs on moist soils along streams, or on low, poorly drained sites. It is drought tolerant when established.

Taxodium sp.

Taxodiumis a genus of one to three species of extremely flood-tolerant conifers in the cypress family. Taxodium species grow pneumatophores, or cypress roots, when growing in or beside water; these are woody projections which rise above the water and are said to help carry oxygen to the root systems.