Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Ivan's Column' / Ivan's Column Hinoki cypress

The cultivar names 'Arneson's Compact' and 'Blue Feathers' are considered synonymous.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Ivan's Column' is broad, upright growing selection of Hinoki cypress with tiers of dense, feathery, blue juvenile foliage. With age, adult foliage will begin to develop on the branch tips providing an interesting combination of foliage types on a single plant. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will stand 4 feet (1.3 m) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) wide, an annual rate of growth of 4 to 6 inches (10 - 15 cm).

This cultivar originated as a branch sport found in 1979 by Ivan Arneson at Kasch's Garden Center, Beaverton, Oregon. Oddly, despite being originally named and listed as shown above, it is most often seen offered in the trade under the cultivar name, 'Blue Feathers'. The cultivar name 'Arenson's Compact' also appears in botanical literature from time to time. That was probably a provisional name for this same plant.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Ivan's Column' — an older mature plant in a a large arboretum.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Ivan's Column' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger

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