Chamaecyparis (False Cypresses)

Chamaecyparis offers year-round shelter and food for garden wildlife. Its dense evergreen foliage provides crucial winter protection for birds like goldcrests and wrens, while the scale-like leaves host tiny insects that attract foraging tits and treecreepers. The thick branching structure creates nesting sites for robins and collared doves, and the peeling bark shelters overwintering lacewings and ladybirds. Though not native, mature specimens develop seed cones eaten by siskins and other small birds. Planted as hedging or specimen trees, these conifers add structure to wildlife gardens while supporting the insect prey vital for birds and bats.