Cryptomeria japonica Family: Taxodiaceae Common Name(s): Grown by: SF Botanical Garden, San Francisco The Japanese cedar is a handsome evergreen confer native to both China and Japan. The species can get over 100 feet, but many cultivars exist that stay under 20 feet, some even under 4 feet. Many varieties turn brown in the winter and then the same leaves return to green come Spring. The right variety can be a choice, thick screen for the back of the garden. Reliably hardy to zone 7 and needs full sun. Photo by Steve Morse