Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold' / Sungold Sawara cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold' is a dwarf, mounding selection of Sawara cypress with gold-tipped, thread-like foliage that does not burn in full sun. It is similar to Ch. pisifera 'Filifera Aurea,' but has coarser branching and better sun tolerance. It is also thought to be somewhat hardier than its parent. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 3 feet (1 m) tall and 4.5 feet (1.5 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 3 to 4 inches (7.5 - 10 cm).

This cultivar originated as a seedling of 'Filifera Aurea' selected in the mid-1960s by Gordon Bentham, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and introduced to the nursery trade by William Goddard at Floravista Gardens.