The Emerald Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', also known as white cedar, exhibits a narrow, compact pyramidal form with emerald green foliage which holds its color well through winter. This arborvitae makes an excellent screen, and can grow at a rate of about four feet per year. When young, the Emerald Arborvitae has a bright green color to its foliage which darkens as the plant ages. This arborvitae makes an excellent hedge plant, but also used for foundation plants, informal hedges, entranceways, privacy screens, non-thorny barriers, or specimen shrub. It will grow especially well in swampy areas and in alkaline soil. This hardy arborvitae prefers full sun to thrive and will perform best in an area with high atmospheric moisture. Because this plant often grows naturally into a perfect pyramidal shape, little pruning is necessary. If the winter is especially cold, the foliage of an emerald green arborvitae will turn yellow-brown. This pyramidal beauty will become one of your favorites with its excellent cold and heat tolerance.