Looking for a unique and interesting addition to your garden or landscape? Look no further than Thujopsis dolabrata, also known as False Arborvitae or Hiba Arborvitae. This medium to large evergreen tree, endemic to Japan, boasts broader, thicker leaves and thick cones that distinguish it from the closely related Thuja genus. Its distinctive red-brown bark peels in vertical strips, and its leaves have a thick, almost fleshy texture and marked with vivid white stomatal bands. It even has a valuable wood that is durable and scented, similar to that of Thuja plicata. The asunaro is a valued ornamental tree both in its native Japan, where it is commonly planted around temples as well as in gardens, and also in Europe and North America. While not drought tolerant and requiring consistent rainfall or irrigation, it has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Consider adding Thujopsis dolabrata to your garden or landscape for a unique touch of evergreen beauty.
