Tips for identifying Chamaecyparis: leaves scale-like when young, white markings on back (except for nootkatensis), woody cones with peltate scales
Size: tree (50-70' average height at maturity, spread 10-20') or shrub (4-8' average height)
Leaves: evergreen, .08-.13", scales closely appressed against twig surface, dark green on top, whitish blotches on underside
Twigs: flattened, 2-ranked, in horizontal plane
Flowers: monoecious, inconspicuous
Fruit: round, short-stalked yellowish brown cones, .17-.25", in crowded clusters
Bark: smooth, reddish brown, peeling in thin strips