The Nigra Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra', is one of the busy varieties for cold climates. Unlike some evergreens, 'Nigra' will keep its dark green color all winter long. Scale-like leaves are ovate, mid to dark-green on top, lighter beneath. Females bear small cones with a small terminal hook on each scale. This low maintenance arborvitae needs full sun to partial shade and prefers sandy loam to clay loam. Useful as a specimen, accent, windscreen, or commonly used in foundation plantings. Makes one of the finest year-round hedges that forms a natural fence around your home.