The method for the chiral analysis of (-)-yatein was developed and the distribution of this component in the plants of three genera like Juniperus, Thuja and Chamaecyparis belonging to Cupressaceae family was examined. The chiral analysis of (-)-yatein from the plants was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography on (R,R)-Whelk-O1 column using 81 v/v% methanol as mobile phase. The yatein content in the leaves of Juniperus was the highest in compare with that of the other two genera, providing the possibility of the chemical discrimination of the plants in Juniperus from the other plants in the Cupressaceae family. In general, the yatein content in the leaves was much higher than that in the twigs. This method could be applied for the quality control of (-)-yatein in the plants belonging to Cupressaceae family.