Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon' (Golden Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon' is a showy, compact, gold-tinged arborvitae cultivar that produces new spring growth in striking shade of golden orange before maturing to vibrant greens in late spring and summer, producing an eye-catching, colorful evergreen effect that lasts through hot summers and cold winters. Similar to the striking golds hues produced by cultivars like Polar Gold® and Highlights™, 'Yellow Ribbon' is an excellent way to add additional color to any landscape, hedgerow, or specimen planting in the form of a consistent, upright evergreen tree that only reaches 8-10' in height, with a tight columnar form to only about 3' wide. Scaly, fragrant foliage holds its color in almost any condition, and reduces messy leaf litter over time.

Native to a variety of locations in full sun and part shade through much of the eastern United States, Thuja occidentalis is a great native selection for specimen plantings, foundation planting, and privacy screens or borders. Though it is fairly common in landscaping, it's not hard to see why, with its fast growth rate, dense foliage, and support of native birds and butterfly/moth larvae. Thuja occidentalis 'Yellow Ribbon' is resistant to black walnut soils, perpetually wet ground, and deer browsing, and acts as a valuable source of food and shelter for mammals and birds while sheltering your home from high winds and adding privacy to any screen or border.