Genus Thuja (Arborvitae)

Thuja Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken
THOO-yah Common Name: Arborvitae
Thuja is a genus of coniferous trees from Eastern Asia and North America. They have fragrant, scaly, diamond-shaped needles and produce female and male cones on the same tree. They are suitable as specimens in lawns, for formal hedges, screening, and planted in small stands. Grow dwarf species in gravel or rock gardens and in foundation plantings. The sap may irritate skin.
Noteworthy characteristics: These conifers make stately landscape specimens, large and small.
Care: Grow in sunny or partially shaded sites and in a wide range of well-drained soil types. Does not like wet feet.
Propagation: Sow seed in late winter. Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Problems: Caterpillars, bark beetle, weevils, mites, and scale insects are common. Butt rot, twig dieback, gray mold (Botrytis), mushroom root rot, and needle blights.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Thuja

no image available Thuja occidentalis 'Bobazam'
(American arborvitae, Eastern arborvitae, White cedar)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This evergreen shrub with finely textured sage green foliage forms a perfect, 3-foot-diameter, slow-growing globe, hence its name, Mr. Bowling Ball®.

Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald'
(American arborvitae, Eastern arborvitae, White cedar)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This cultivar is a compact, evergreen, pyramidal tree that retains its glossy, bright green foliage throughout the year, making it a valuable hedge plant or specimen.