chamai – dwarf or on/to the ground (prostrate) [Greek]

kyparissos – cypress tree (Greek)

Leaves:

• scale-like (smaller than Thuja)
• branchlets usually flattened

Cones:

• roundish “soccer ball”
• opposite scales
• peltate (umbrella shaped)
• monoecious

Other notes:

• trees with nodding leader
• leaves sometimes unpleasant smelling
• “Chamae” means dwarf, but many Chamaecyparis are very large

Species:

• Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson cypress, Port Orford cedar)
• Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki/Japanese cypress)