Genus of medium to large evergreen coniferous trees/shrubs growing to 20-70m commonly called Cypresses occurring in the Cupressaceae family. They feature twigs that branch out in the same plane, i.e. are planar. Leaves are opposite, tiny and scale-like appressed around the twig. Juvenile leaves are needle-like and drop off in the early stages of the first year. It is Evergreen thereafter but with flat scale-like adult leaves. It is monoecious with both male and female cone-like 'flowers' appearing on the same plant; only rarely dioecious. Female cones ripen in the first year to 3 to 6 decussate pairs of woody scales (nested, in opposite pairs, alternating at right-angles to each other); each scale bearing 2-4 seeds which have between 2 and 5 narrow-wings. The ripe cones are spherical to oval.

There are only about five to seven species worldwide, the variation being due to taxonomic arguments between taxonomists. Of particular note is Nootka Cypress, previously named Chamaecyparis nootkatensis which been moved into the Xanthocyparis genus and is now called Xanthocyparis nootkatensis.

The wood is scented and prized for this property in Japan where it is used to build temples.