Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen, Ornamental, Hedge, Screening Tree
Variety / Cultivar
'Smaragd' (also known as Emerald Green)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8.
About This Tree
A dense, narrow, pyramidal evergreen shrub or small tree with vibrant emerald-green foliage that retains its color well through winter. Features a neat, upright habit and uniform growth rate.
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like, flattened spray foliage arranged in dense fans, vibrant bright green color that resists winter bronzing.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown to grayish-brown bark that exfoliates in thin, vertical strips as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern North America, though the specific 'Smaragd' cultivar was developed in Denmark.
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage; active growth occurs in spring and early summer; winter dormant period.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires moderate watering during establishment and regular moisture during dry spells; prefers well-drained soils.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 10 to 15 feet in height with a spread of 3 to 4 feet; moderate growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Excellent privacy screen or hedge, highly resistant to wind damage when established, tolerates heavy pruning and urban pollution.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides essential winter cover and nesting sites for small birds and mammals; foliage is occasionally browsed by deer.