Common Caragana vs Emerald Cedar - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Emerald Cedar

Caragana arborescens

Thuja occidentalis Smaragd

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Common Caragana
Emerald Cedar

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

Emerald Cedar makes a great addition to landscapes, and is often used to form tight hedges or privacy screens. The thick scale-like foliage adds texture and colour to yards and is commonly used to line driveways. Unlike other cedars it retains its green colour throughout the fall and winter.

It is a semi dwarf species, which generally needs little pruning, but if desired it responds well to trimming. Its attractive, columnar shape and dense foliage makes it a desired landscape feature.

The Emerald Cedar won the award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Emerald Cedar Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: yellow, in spring
Fruit: pod like fruits
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia
Other Names: smaragd arborvitae, thuja occidentalis emeraude