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Thujopsis dolabrata
Japanese false arborvitae
Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Kii Peninsula); montane forests at 980–6,600 feet (300–2,000 m)Learn more
Overview
Thujopsis dolabrata is a slow-growing, long-lived evergreen conifer native to Japan, the sole species in its genus. Trees reach 20–50 feet (6–15 m) tall and 10–20 feet (3–6 m) wide in cultivation over many decades; growth rate is 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year. The habit is broadly pyramidal with tiered, somewhat horizontal to slightly pendulous branches. Foliage is the defining feature: scale-like leaves are unusually large — up to 0.3 inch (8 mm) long — thick, glossy, and shell-shaped, arranged in flat, overlapping, fan-shaped sprays. The upper surface is dark, glossy green; the underside displays conspicuous white butterfly-shaped or hourglass-shaped stomatal marks that flash white when branches move. This bold, coarse-textured foliage clearly distinguishes T. dolabrata from the finer-scaled Thuja species. Cones are 0.4–0.6 inch (10–15 mm) long, globular to ovoid, with thick woody scales. The species performs best in cool, moist, partly shaded conditions and declines in hot, dry exposure. It is not drought-tolerant.
Native Range
Thujopsis dolabrata is native to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Kii Peninsula), in montane forests at elevations of 980–6,600 feet (300–2,000 m), typically in cool, humid conditions. It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen in woodland gardens, shaded residential borders, and Japanese-inspired gardens, spaced 10–15 feet (3–4.6 m) from adjacent plants. The bold, coarse foliage texture contrasts effectively with fine-textured companions. Best suited to partly shaded, cool, consistently moist sites in west-side Pacific Northwest conditions. Not suitable for dry east-side sites or exposed windy locations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height20' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Male and female cones are on the same plant (monoecious). Male strobili are small, dark red-brown, at shoot tips, releasing pollen in March–April. Female cones are 0.4–0.6 inch (10–15 mm) long, globular to ovoid, with 6–8 thick woody scales tipped with a small hook, ripening from green to brown in autumn.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
dark red-brown (male strobili)Foliage Description
dark glossy green above, bold white butterfly-shaped marks belowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight