Thujopsis dolabrata (False Arborvitae)
Michael's Opinion
Generally an attractive plant and interestingly the only species in the genus. Unfortunately, similar to a pretty but high maintenance friend. Like Dirr states, good for the collector, but not the common landscape.
Botanical Information
Family | Cupressaceae |
Genus | Thujopsis |
Species | dolabrata |
Category | Woody |
Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
Origin | From central Japan; introduced to North America in 1861. |
Pronunciation |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 6b - 7a |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6 |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H6 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | -21 - (-15) |
Temperature (°F) | -5 - 5 |
Height | 9-15 m |
Spread | 3-6 m |
Growth | Slow |
Flowering Period | March |
Description and Growing Information
General Description | A dense, pyramidal evergreen with attractive foliage and bark colour. The only species in this genus and resembles Thuja. Mostly sought after by plant collectors rather than the average gardener. |
ID Characteristic | Similar to Thuja but has round cones, winged seeds and larger leaves with white markings underneath. |
Shape | Densely pyramidal, very nice form. Can be spreading and bushy. |
Landscape | More for a collection; many other conifers have the same effect without the work. Regardless, a nice looking plant. |
Propagation | Seeding is difficult; cuttings are almost 100% effective – even large forest trees are successfully propagated from cuttings. Cuttings taken in November can take 10 weeks to root; apply hormone and root in mist. |
Cultivation | Easily transplanted from containers. Thrives in full sun and organic, moist, acidic soil; likes atmospheric moisture. |
Pests | Relatively free, can be partial to bagworm, heart rot and spider mites. |
Notable Specimens | The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada. National Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom. |
Habitat | Moist, Japanese forests with organic soil types; protected from wind. |
Bark/Stem Description | Furrowed into thin strips that peel off, red–brown. Attractive when seen. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description | 2-3 mm long, yellow–orange. Ovate, imbricate. |
Leaf Description | 4-7 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. |
Flower Description | Not attractive looking. Aromatic, and monoecious. |
Fruit Description | Cones an informal globe shape, 13-19 mm long; 6-8 thick, woody scales ending in horn shaped projections; winged seeds. |
Colour Description | Foliage dark green on top, underside has a broad white stripe. Bark grey or red–brown. |
Texture Description | Medium; soft foliage, mildly prickly fruit. |