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The original Thujopsis was discovered in 1894 by Franz von Siebold and Joseph Zuccarini, who chose a name that translates to “looks like the American genus Thuja." The Thuj part in the beginning of the name came from Thuja, which is commonly known as Arborvitae in America, and the opsis at the end of the name means "looks like" in Latin. But Thujopsis in not an Arborvitae, though it does have a similar appearance.

Until now, Thujopis was a single species genus with no cultivars. 'Jurassic Park' is the only distinct variant of Thujopsis dolobrata. It has thicker, more attractive, plastic-like foliage than the species. It also has a slower growth rate so we suspect it won't grow as tall. Whereas the species can achieve a height of 30-40 feet in America and up to 100 feet in its native central Japan habitat, Jurassic Park grows maybe a foot per year, making us think it might reach 10 feet in 10 years and 20 to 25 feet tall at maturity. Its horizontal branches sweep upward at the tips and are clothed with flat fans of glossy, plasticky dark green leaves with striking white undersides. Its excellent form and foliage makes the Jurassic Park Thujopsis a fine choice for a specimen in landscape borders and home foundation plantings, where it is sure to be a conversation piece.

To quote Tony Avent at Plant Delights nursery: "We first saw this unusual form of Thujopsis dolabrata at Joann Currier's The Unique Plant Nursery. Joann originally got the plant from Randy Plante at Greener Visions Nursery, who got it from NC conifer nurseryman Geoff Driscoll, who got it from someone up north. That's where the trail goes cold."

Growing in an upright pyramidal form 20 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide at its base, Jurassic Park Thujopsis is ideal for use as a specimen in sunny to partially shaded landscape and woodland borders as well as home foundation plantings. Where space allows it, it can be grouped or used in a privacy screen planting, though it's not a fast grower. It can also be grown in pots and other containers on or around patios and other outdoor sitting and living spaces. It is a fine addition to conifer gardens, formal gardens, rock gardens, and Asian gardens.

Spacing:  13' apart for space between plants

Jurrasic Park Thujopsis is easy to grow in moist but well-drained soil with average fertility and full sun to part shade. With more sun, the foliage will be more dense. We suggest at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. It requires no pruning. Fertilize in spring and again in late summer with a well-balanced shrub and tree-type fertilizer.

Click on a below to find advice from our experts on how to plant, fertilize, prune and water Arborvitae trees.