Hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata)
Also known as: Hiba Arborvitae, Japanese Thuja
Hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata) is a medium to large evergreen tree native to central Japan. This species grows best in moist forested areas. Hiba is also called elkhorn cedar and deerhorn cedar. This species is not drought tolerant and grows best when protected from the wind. Its latin name Thujopsis dolabrata means hatchet-shaped and references the shape of its leaves.
In This Article
Attributes of Hiba
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
15 m to 40 m
Spread
4.5 m to 8 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
N/A
Flower Color
Green Blue Black Violet
Images of Hiba
Quickly Identify Hiba
1
Robust pyramidal growth reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 meters).
2
Coarse, glossy green foliage with white stomatal bands beneath.
3
Distinctive flaky bark varying from gray to reddish-brown.
4
Small, solitary brown seed cones on terminal branches.
5
Thick, fleshy, glossy green scale-like leaves in decussate pairs.
Scientific Classification of Hiba
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Conifers
Order
Pinales
Family
Cypress
Genus
Thujopsis
Species
Hiba
