Family: Cupressaceae

Platycladus orientalis is a shrub with a characteristic teardrop shape. It does best with full sun and air circulation. Platycladus orientalis can withstand heavy wind. It is a low-maintenance tree that grows almost anywhere in Hawaii.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Hedge
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Windbreak

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate tolerance (wide altitude, rainfall, and temperature range)
  
• Grows on diverse soils, including low-salinity conditions
  
• Planted repeatedly outside native range (Japan, South Africa, USA)
  
• Tolerates partial shade (saplings and young trees)
  
• Produces viable seed; wind-pollinated

Low Risk Traits:

• No domestication, weedy races, or naturalization in most regions
  
• Low invasive potential (per UF/IFAS)
  
• No spines, thorns, toxicity, allelopathy, or parasitism
  
• Low seed production; seeds not wind- or bird-dispersed
  
• Poor pruning tolerance
  
• No vegetative spread