'Green Giant' arborvitae is a hybrid cross between western redcedar and Japanese arborvitae. It is a large, hardy evergreen with a pyramidal to conical, uniform appearance. The dense, scale-like foliage in flattened sprays on horizon or ascending branches is a lustrous, medium green color that darkens or bronzes only slightly in winter. The leaves have a faint, pleasant fragrance. The young bark is cinnamon-red, turning to gray-brown or red-brown. Mature trees bear persistent, half-inch, oblong cones that emerge green and turn brown. 'Green Giant' tolerates a wide range of soils and temperatures but prefers moist, well-drained soil and sun to partial shade. It has some drought tolerance once established. Wet or poorly drained sites should be avoided. It is very salt-sensitive. Young plants should be protected from wind, but once established, this cultivar is wind-resistant and can withstand heavy snow and ice loads. It shows better resistance to browsing by deer than most arborvitae. Little or no pruning is required, but it shears easily if necessary. It is a fast grower, up to 3' a year under good conditions. Mature height averages 50'-60' with a 12-20' spread.