SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thuja occidentalis 'Rushmore'

COMMON NAME: Rushmore Arborvitae

GARDEN SIZE: 12-25 feet tall by 3-6 feet wide if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Fast (up to 15+ inches per year under ideal condiitons)

USDA ZONE: 3-7

EXPOSURE: Full Sun (6 or more hours of sun per day, ideally light afternoon shade)

WATER & SOIL: Average, well-drained soil; will need additional water in times of drought

HABIT: Compact, Narrow, Upright

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Green, remains green in winter

PLANT ORIGIN: Northeastern United States (including Tennessee)

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning is preferred. Late winter or early summer is best.

TOXICITY: Mildly toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. The aromatic foliage may cause digestive upset, and sap may irritate sensitive skin.

USES: Screens, hedges, and windbreaks