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Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' (American arborvitae, Eastern arborvitae, White cedar)

Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' THOO-yah oks-ee-den-TAL-is Common Name: American arborvitae, Eastern arborvitae, White cedar Synonyms: 'Smaragd', 'Emerald Green' Genus: Thuja
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.
 Noteworthy characteristics: This plant tolerates a wide range of soils and likes humid weather with regular rain. The foliage becomes less dense if planted in too much shade.
 Care: This cultivar is easily grown in average, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Water deeply in hot and dry weather and mulch the root zone. Prune in early spring before onset of new growth. If grown as a hedge, trim in spring and late summer if desired. Keep trained to a single leader to avoid ice and snow damage.
 Propagation: Insert semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
 Problems: Caterpillars, bark beetles, weevils, mites, and scale insects are common, as are butt rott, twig dieback, Botrytis, mushroom root rot, and needle blights.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Native; Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Evergreen
Uses Hedge, Screening, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest
Type Trees

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