Thujopsis dolabrata
Common name:
Elkhorn Cedar
Deerhorn Cedar
Hiba Arborvitae
False Arborvitae
Pronunciation:
thew-YOP-sis DOL-o-bra-ta
Family:
Cupressaceae
Genus:
Type:
Conifer
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon:
No
- Conifer, evergreen tree, 30-50 ft (9-15 m) high, dense, pyramidal, branchlets flat, in a single plane. Leaves opposite, coarse, 4-6 mm long, glossy dark green above, distinctive hollowed white stripe of stomata beneath, lateral leaves have somewhat incurved tips. Cones terminal, solitary. Seed cones 1-1.6 cm diameter, subglobose; each fertile scale with 3-5 seeds.
- Sun, but tolerates considerable shade. Prefers moist, acid, organic soil and protection from wind. Does not tolerate drought.
- Hardy to USDA Zone 5 Native to the moist forests of central and southern Japan.
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Two common cultivars:
- 'Nana' - a dwarf shrub, spreading, slow growing, leaves flat, thinner than the species type
- 'Variegata' - green leaves interspersed with creamy whites variegation, similar to the species but slower growing
- Thujopsis: from Thuja and opsis, resemblance. dolabrata: hatchet-shaped, the leaves.