Thuja occidentalis 'Little Gem'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- THU-ya ock-sih-den-TAH-liss
- Description
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'Little Gem' is a dwarf Arborvitae cultivar that is dense, flattened, and broadly globular. It generally matures to only about 3' tall and up to 6' wide over the first 10 years. It holds its dark green color in winter although it may bronze somewhat. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Thuja
- Species:
- occidentalis
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- US
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Needled Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Rough
- Leaf Type:
- Needles
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Glossy dark green leaves; crumpled, crowded, flat sprays held at various angles; thin, horizontal, spreading branches.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border