Identification:
Leaves—short, closely compressed, green, and scale-like in flattened sprays with whitish x-like markings on the underside
Twigs—flattened foliar sprays, pendulous at ends, turns brown at death
Flowers—no true flower
Fruit—no true fruit
Bark—reddish-brown bark, peeling
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Natural History:
Lifespan—Greater than 150 years
General description—Large, straight tree reaching over 120 feet tall and has a narrow pyramidal crown.
Natural distribution and habitat—Native to central Japan in East Asia, and widely cultivated in the temperate northern hemisphere for its high-quality timber and ornamental qualities, with many cultivars commercially available.
Conservation status—Near Threatened (NT)
Uses—Has been widely used in Japanese architecture.