Hondai Hiba Also known as the elkhorn cedar, Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai is a rare, more compact variant of the Japanese timber tree, hiba. It’s a medium-sized evergreen, coniferous tree or large shrub with an upright, dense, pyramidal habit, although it may take a low, rounded, shrub-like form for many years before growing upwards. The scale-like, deep green, glossy leaves form aromatic, flattened, fan-like sprays, rather like a thuja’s, and rarely turn bronze in winter. Insignificant flowers appear in spring, and female flowers are followed by leathery cones. A really low-maintenance shrub that does not need pruning, the hondai hiba dislikes cold, drying winds. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any moist, well-drained soilPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: All yearHardiness: Very hardyHeight:  35’ (10.5m) Spread: 12’ (3.5m)