Cypress Microbiota decussata Play pronunciation

.The Russian arborvitae is a prostrate, mat-forming, dwarf evergreen conifer, native to the Primorye Territory of Russia and the Siberian mountains. It was first seen in Vladivostok, Russia in 1921. The genus name, Microbiota, is derived from the Greek, micro, meaning "small,' and Biota, which is the former name of a related genus, Platycladus. The specific epithet, decussata, references the arrangement of the foliage, which means the adjacent pairs of leaves are rotated about 90 degrees. The common name refers to its native range and its similar characteristics to other members of the cypress family.

It is a shrub-like ground cover that grows up to 1.5 feet tall and spreads up to 12 feet wide. This evergreen prefers full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils. It is more shade-tolerant than groundcover junipers. It will perform best in cool summer climates and is intolerant to hot and humid summers, poor drainage, or excessive wetness. No pruning is needed, and it requires very little maintenance.

The bright green scale-like or awl-shaped foliage is feathery, soft, and arranged in flat sprays. In the fall and winter, the foliage transitions from bronze-purple to copper bronze to red. The fruits are tiny, round, berry-like cones that have woody scales. Unlike creeping juniper, the branch tips of the Russian arborvitae nod downward, and it is also more shade-tolerant.

Consider this plant in cooler summer climates as a groundcover, especially for slopes, banks, or hillsides. It may also be used as a specimen and for borders, foundation plantings, or rock gardens.

Quick ID Hints:

• low-growing, prostrate, mat-forming evergreen conifer
• feathery, soft, bright green scale-like or awl-shaped foliage with branch tips that nod downward and are arranged in flat sprays
• fall foliage bronze purple, copper bronze, or red
• tiny, spherical, yellow to brown, berry-like cones

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The Russian arborvitae is generally disease and pest free. Root rot may develop in excessively wet areas.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University