This genus of conifers native to Eastern Asia and North America consists of about 6 species. One former species, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, has been recently shifted to a new genus to become named Xanthocyparis nootkatensis.

As ornamental evergreens, members of this genus have been gaining in popularity in the home landscape. It is easy to confuse arborvitae (Thuja) with Chamaecyparis, however, the cones differ and the lateral leaves nearly cover the facial in the former, whereas in the latter, the facial leaves are more exposed.