Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gnome' is a diminutive, cushion-shaped selection of Hinoki cypress with dense branching; and tight, dark green foliage. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 12 inches (30 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less.
According to Iseli Nursery, the rich, deep green foliage on the elfin Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gnome'™ is so dense and congested that the familiar fan-like growth seems more like knuckles, making the plant look like a smooth, rounded rock. Extremely slow growth assures that this tiny gem will not outgrow even the smallest spaces in rock garden, trough or container.This cultivar originated as one of the many seedlings selected and introduced to the nursery trade by Joel W. Spingarn, Baldwin, Long Island, New York. It is noteworthy that the seed source of Spingarn's selections was Henry Weissenberger, also of Long Island.
