Thujopsis dolabrata
Common name: 
Elkhorn Cedar
Deerhorn Cedar
Hiba Arborvitae
False Arborvitae
Pronunciation: 
thew-YOP-sis DOL-o-bra-ta
Family: 
Cupressaceae
Genus: 
Thujopsis
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.
  • 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.
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • branchlets

    branchlets

  • branchlets, leaves, upperside

    branchlets, leaves, upperside

  • leaves

    leaves

  • leaves, underside

    leaves, underside

  • young cones

    young cones

  • mature cones

    mature cones

  • trunk, bark

    trunk, bark