Cryptomeria Japonica Araucarioides

Snake-branched Japanese Cedar

A very unusual tree from Japan, Cryptomeria japonica Araucarioides Group is a large conifer of average vigour (a slow starter, but picks up speed after 3-4 years, and eventually grows quite large).  It has a roughly conical habit.  The bizarre, twisted, drooping branches are almost without side branches, and have a rather Jurassic feel; the tree branches sparsely when young, but thickens up later. The short, mid-green needles lie close to the branches. Snake-branched Japanese cedar is an old Japanese cultivar.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any reasonably fertile, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height:  10-15’ (3-4.5m) Spread: 5’ (1.5m) in 10 years