Cypress vs. False Cypress: How to Tell the Difference

Written by Nikita Ross
Updated: August 8, 2023
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Cypress and false cypress trees generate a lot of confusion among aspiring botanists and home gardeners. When you start to dive into the scientific classification system, the difference is obvious: they’re two different genera and species within the same family of trees.

Here’s how you can tell the difference when comparing the cypress vs. false cypress and what the word “false” actually means.

Comparing Cypress vs. False Cypress

CypressFalse Cypress
ClassificationCupressusChamaecyparis
Alternative NamesN/ACypress (misnomer)
OriginNorth America, Central America, Southern Asia, North AfricaEastern Asia, North America
DescriptionSeveral species of coniferous trees, typically growing up to 80 feet tall. Many species have long, narrow, pyramid-shaped growth patterns, while some are short with a widespread and mild peak. Bark typically grows in separated strips and patches, with a few species having smooth trunks. Leaves are small, green, aromatic, and awl-shaped. Produces spherical, woody cones.Several species of coniferous trees growing up to 140 feet tall. Leaves grow as needles or small awl-shaped scales. Bark typically grows in separated strips and patches, with a few species having smooth trunks. Produces small cones with few seeds. Bark, leaf, and cone coloration varies depending on the species.
UsesPrimarily used as ornamental bushes with some timber applications.Primarily used in furniture building and construction. Dwarf species are used as ornamental bushes.
Growth TipsPlant saplings or transplants in USDA Zones 5-10 (depending on the species) in full sun and well-draining soil. Water frequently until roots are well-established and during drought periods. Fertilize and mulch in the spring and wrap in burlap during winter in cold climates to prevent browning.Plant saplings or transplants in USDA Zones 4-8 in partial to full sun and well-draining soil. Water frequently until roots are well-established and during drought periods. Fertilize and mulch in the spring and wrap in burlap during winter in cold climates to prevent browning.
Interesting FeaturesLeyland Cypress is a popular choice as a privacy screen in North America. It’s fast-growing, wind resistant, and attractive.The Hinoki (false) Cypress are commonly used in the ancient art of bonsai. These trees can grow up to 140 feet in the wild but are manipulated to reach no more than 2 feet tall in bonsai.

Cypress vs. False Cypress: Key Differences

While cypress and false cypress plants are related, they’re two different scientific genera. That means there are notable differences in size and reproductive features. Most notably, cypress trees have larger cones and more seeds than false cypress.

The names cypress vs. false cypress create confusion, and the perception is that false cypress is inferior. However, the botanists who named the two types of trees had elementary logic: here are two trees that look similar: one is cypress, and the other is not. Many false cypresses bear the word “cypress” in their common name (the Hinoki cypress, for example).

leyland cypress trees in a row

Leyland cypress trees are thick, fast-growing plants, and commonly used for hedges and privacy screens.

©iStock.com/dbvirago

Cypress vs. False Cypress: Classification

Cypress refers to any species in the genus Cupressaceae. This genus includes over 130 tree species — such as redwood and junipers, to name a few. The name originates from Greek mythology. Cyparissus was a boy whom Apollo turned into a tree as a testament to enduring grief.

False cypress refers to any species in the genus Chamaecyparis. This genus includes under ten species, though botanists and taxonomists often debate the exact number. Some species, like the Chamaecyparis taiwanensis (Taiwan cypress), have similarities to other genera, which makes them contradictory. Chamaecyparis is a portmanteau of two ancient words, meaning “cypress” and “on the earth,” and refers to the dwarf versions of the plant.

monterey cypress tree

Shaped by the rough winds of the Pacific coastline, Monterey cypresses are native to central California and can grow nearly 140 feet tall.

©David A Litman/Shutterstock.com

Cypress vs. False Cypress: Origin

Cypress trees can be found all over the lower and central parts of the Northern Hemisphere. They’re common across North Africa and South Asia. You can also find varieties in the United States, spanning into Central America. Cypress trees prefer warm, temperate climates.

False cypress trees are common in East Asia and scattered around the coasts in North America, particularly within the U.S. False cypress trees are less resistant to extreme temperatures than true cypress species.

Cypress vs. False Cypress: Description

Both the cypress genus and false cypress genus offer a wide range in how each species looks and grows.

The cypress has dwarf varieties like the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), which grows no more than three feet tall. Meanwhile, the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) can reach nearly 140 feet tall in ideal conditions. Most cypress trees grow to a maximum of 80 to 90 feet. Many species are pyramid-shaped. Bark color varies and typically grows in defined strips and patches, with a few species having smooth trunks. Leaves tend to be green and aromatic with a shape like an awl — a long tool with a sharp, tapered point. The cypress produces large, spherical, woody cones.

The false cypress also has dwarf cultivars. The dwarf Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana’) grows to three feet tall. The true Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) reaches 140 feet tall. Color and size vary greatly from species to species. Like the true cypress, these trees also have bark growing in defined strips and patches, with a few species having smooth trunks. Leaves also tend to be awl-shaped, though a few species have defined needles like a pine tree or scales. False cypress cones are smaller and rounder than true cypress cones and tend to have fewer seeds.

False Cypress Leaves and Cones in Winter

False cypress trees (like

Chamaecyparis sp.

) have rounder cones than cypress trees.

©iStock.com/ErikAgar

Cypress vs. False Cypress: Uses

Cypresses are typically used as ornamental trees and natural privacy screens between properties. Their symmetrical appearance, fast growth, and low maintenance make them ideal for homeowners trying to get some distance from their neighbors.

False cypresses are often used for construction and decorative furniture making. The thick, heavy trunks are ideal for support beams and fence posts. Many people also favor the popular Hinoki cypress due to its malleability and beauty.

chamaecyparis obtusa bonsai

False cypress species, like

Chamaecyparis obtusa,

are often used in the art of Japanese Bonsai.

©iStock.com/Renata Tyburczy

Cypress vs. False Cypress: Growth Tips

Cypress trees are difficult to grow from seed. Gardening experts recommend propagating an existing cypress plant during the winter. Plant the cutting indoors in moist soil away from the sun, and use a rooting hormone to promote growth. In the spring, check the root growth and transplant to the outdoors in USDA Zones 5 through 10 (check the species to confirm). Cypress prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Water frequently until the tree is established. If you live in colder zones, consider wrapping your cypress during the winter. It will survive the extreme cold but may turn brown from frost damage.

False cypresses are easier to grow from seed via cold stratification. Harvest seeds in the fall and store them wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge until they sprout. Conversely, you can also take a cutting and propagate with moist soil and rooting hormone. When your false cypress has sprouted, transfer it to well-draining soil in USDA Zones 4 through 8. Plant in partial to full sun and water until the tree is established. Fertilize and mulch annually, and use burlap to protect them from frost damage in the winter.

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©


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About the Author

Nikita Ross is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering plants, gardening, and yard care. Nikita has been writing for over seven years and holds a Marketing diploma from NSCC, which she earned in 2010. A resident of Canada, Nikita enjoys reading in her library, epic beach naps, and waiting for her Coffea arabica plant to produce coffee beans (no luck yet).

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Sources
  1. Evergreen Arborist Consultants, Available here: https://greenarborists.com/false-cypresses/
  2. Classical Literature, Available here: https://ancient-literature.com/cyparissus/
  3. Missouri Botanical Garden, Available here: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c204
  4. North Carolina Extension Gardner Plant Toolbox, Available here: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chamaecyparis-obtusa-nana/