Hinoki means ‘fire tree’ in Japan, where its wood is used to make fire by friction, a practice still carried out in Shinto shrines during purification rituals. Wild populations are considered Near Threatened after centuries of logging.

Native to central and southern Japan. Elsewhere, widely cultivated.

Monoecious.

Moderately tall (35m), narrow and columnar crown. Bark red-brown, fibrous, with fine vertical fissures. Foliage scale-like, in flat horizontal sprays. Female cones 8–12mm, globulose, 8–10 scales, fused at tip.

Hardy to -40°C, slow-growing, in moist but well-drained, neutral or slightly acidic soils. Can be trimmed.

No notable associations where introduced.

No specific threats.

Produces a highly valued timber, famed for durability, fine straight grain with small knots (from light branching) and pleasant aroma, traditionally used to build temples and shrines. Many ornamental cultivars exist, including the yellow-foliaged ‘Aurea’ and ‘Crippsii’, and others with varied forms. It is also popular for bonsai, given its compact form and dense foliage.