Arborvitae

Zones:
Varieties ranging from Zones 2 to 8

Mature height/spread:
The mature size of an arborvitae depends on the species and cultivar. Some low-growing shrubs are under 3 feet tall. Large trees can exceed heights of 70 feet and widths of 25 feet.

Shapes:
Mounded, conical, pyramidal, rounded, or pendulous, depending on the cultivar.

Foliage:
Most arborvitaes have flattened, lacy aromatic needles, ranging from emerald green to gold. Clusters of rosebud-shaped cones measuring about ½ inch long appear in early summer, turning from green to nutmeg-brown.

Growth rate:
Growth rate varies depending on the species and cultivar. Some are very fast growers adding 3 to 4 feet per year, while others, such as dwarfs and miniatures, grow much slower.