2019 Yellowstone Arboretum Accessions
Dwarf Arborvitae
A# 2019-031 SG39
GPS W/A
Latin name: Thuja occidentalis
Family name: Cupressaceae
Common name: Dwarf Arborvitae
Origin: North America and Asia
Location: Sensory Garden-left of waterfall
Number in accession: 1
Assigned: SG39
Status: Container
Source: Billings Hardware
Common Name: arborvitae
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Cupressaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 40.00 to 60.00 feet
Spread: 12.00 to 18.00 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Hedge
Leaf: Evergreen
Culture
Best grown in moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates somewhat wide range of soils and some dry conditions. Best in full sun, but generally appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates such as the St. Louis area. For screens, plant trees 5-6’ apart. Plant trees further apart for other uses.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Thuja is a genus of 6 species of coniferous, evergreen trees from East Asia and North America. Sizes range from dwarf cultivars to large trees. They make excellent garden plants.
Genus name is the Greek name for a kind of juniper (Juniperus.)
‘Green Giant’ is a fast-growing arborvitae hybrid cultivar (T. plicata x T. standishii) that is often promoted as a disease-free substitute for Leland cypress, particularly in the southeastern U.S. Trees may grow to 40-60’ tall with a dense, narrow, pyramidal habit, but can be easily kept more compact by pruning for screens or hedges. In the proper environment, trees can add up to 3-4’ of growth per year. Horizontal to slightly upright branching with sprays of scale-like dark green foliage. Foliage does not yellow in winter. Small, upright, light brown seed cones (to 1/2” long).