Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Conifer, Ornamental, Hedge/Screen Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (also known as 'Emerald Green')
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 8, showing strong adaptability to cold northern climates.
About This Tree
A narrow, pyramidal evergreen conifer with dense, bright emerald-green foliage that retains its vibrant color year-round. It features an upright, columnar to narrowly pyramidal growth habit and maintains a neat, formal appearance with minimal pruning.
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like, flattened foliage arranged in fan-like sprays, maintaining a bright emerald-green color through winter rather than turning brown like some other cultivars.
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, widely cultivated globally
Growing Season
Evergreen year-round; active growth occurs in spring and early summer, with dormancy throughout the winter months
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun to partial shade. Prefers consistently moist, well-draining soils and benefits from regular watering during establishment, though it has moderate drought tolerance once mature.
Mature Size
Reaches a mature height of 10 to 15 feet with a narrow spread of 3 to 4 feet; grows at a slow to moderate rate.
Special Characteristics
Excellent resistance to winter burn, highly tolerant of pruning, making it ideal for privacy screens, hedges, and formal landscape accents.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides essential winter cover, nesting sites, and protection for small birds and mammals.