Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’, commonly known as Dark American Arborvitae, is a dense, upright evergreen cultivar of the native Eastern Arborvitae. It is known for its rich, deep green foliage that retains color exceptionally well through winter, unlike many other arborvitae that may bronze. Growing 20 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, it forms a uniform, columnar shape that makes it ideal for hedges, privacy screens, and landscape structure. As a cultivar of a native species, ‘Nigra’ offers ornamental beauty while contributing habitat value to wildlife gardens.

Why choose Dark American Arborvitae:

• Deep green color: Maintains lush, dark foliage year-round, even in cold winters

• Dense growth: Provides excellent privacy and wind protection

• Native cultivar: Derived from Eastern Arborvitae, offering ornamental and ecological value

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to clay and loam

• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; shape if desired, but naturally forms a neat column

Designs for your garden:

• Privacy screens: Tall, dense growth creates a natural, low-maintenance barrier

• Windbreaks: Effective as a buffer in exposed areas

• Foundation or border planting: Adds vertical structure to native-inspired landscapes

Ecological benefits:

• Native cultivar: Supports some native wildlife and provides evergreen cover

• Bird shelter: Dense foliage offers nesting and protection for small birds

• Cold-hardy and durable: Well-suited to northeastern landscapes