Here it is — the specimen you've been looking for for the sunny to partly shaded garden, rockery, or border. A very slow-growing evergreen with arching foliage that forms a charming umbrella-shaped habit, this dwarf Northern Whitecedar demands attention in any setting.
Often used as bonsai, 'Umbraculifera' ultimately reaches 2 to 3 feet high and 4 to 5 feet wide, and its journey is as exciting as its final destination. The foliage is very dense, lacy, and fine, held in bunches on long stems. The thread-like needles are blue-green in spring and summer, turning yellow and amber-russet in autumn. Very handsome, and distinctively different from most other Conifers in the landscape.
Introduced in 1892, this tree thrives in moist and even wet soils, yet tolerates drought once established. It is an excellent selection for urban landscapes, untroubled as it is by air pollution. A toxic tree, it is left alone by insects and other nibbling pests. And it's hardy from one end of the country to the other, thriving in full sun everywhere but hot, humid regions, where it appreciates a bit of shade. Easy to grow, full of character, and simply lovely, it deserves much wider recognition. Bring it into your garden this season for a lifetime of beauty. Zones 3-9.
