<i>Thuja </i>tree named ‘RLH-CS’

Abstract

A new and distinct cultivar of Thuja tree named RLH-CS, characterized by its relatively compact, upright and narrowly pyramidal plant form; moderately vigorous growth habit and moderate to low growth rate; freely branching habit; dense and bushy form from base to top of the tree; lateral branches that are fine-textured and flexible and resist cracking and splitting; dark green-colored leaves that are soft and fine-textured and tolerate high humidity and high temperatures conditions; and good garden performance.

Claims

1. A new and distinct Thuja tree named RLH-CS as illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

(1) The accompanying colored photograph illustrates the overall appearance of the new Thuja tree showing the colors as true as it is reasonably possible to obtain in colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photograph may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description which accurately describe the colors of the new Thuja tree.

(2) The photograph is a side perspective view of a typical tree of RLH-CS grown in a container.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(3) The aforementioned photograph and following observations, measurements and values describe trees grown during the winter in #7 nursery containers in an outdoor nursery in Park Hill, Okla. and under cultural practices typical of commercial Thuja tree production. During the production of the trees, day temperatures ranged from 10 C. to 45 C. and night temperatures ranged from 26 C. to 35 C. Trees used in the photograph and for the description were four years old. In the following detailed description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart, 2007 Edition, except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. Botanical classification: Thuja plicata RLH-CS. Parentage: Naturally-occurring branch mutation of Thuja plicata Clemson Select, not patented. Propagation: Type.By semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings. Time to produce rooted young trees, winter.About 120 to 180 days at temperatures ranging from 8 C. to 17 C. Root description.Fine to medium in thickness; fibrous. Rooting habit.Freely branching; dense. Root color.Developing roots, close to 159A; developed roots, close to 178A to 178B. Tree description: Tree and growth habit.Woody ornamental evergreen tree; relatively compact, upright and narrowly pyramidal plant form; moderately vigorous growth habit and moderate to low growth rate; freely branching habit; dense and bushy form from base to top of the tree. Tree height.About 1.5 meters to 1.75 meters. Tree diameter, base.About 50 cm to 60 cm. Lateral branch description.Branching habit and description: Freely branching habit; branches are upright to outwardly; lateral branches are fine-textured and flexible and resist cracking and splitting. Length: About 5 cm to 17 cm. Diameter: About 1.2 mm to 3 mm. Internode length: About 5 mm to 20 mm. Strength: Strong, flexible. Texture, developing branches: Smooth, glabrous. Texture, trunk: Scaly vertical strips; underneath outer bark, smooth and glabrous. Color, developing branches: Close to 141A and N134A. Color, developed branches: Close to N167A. Leaf description.Appearance and arrangement: Flattened and closely appressed, scale-like; opposite to whorled, simple; sessile. Length: About 1 mm to 3.5 mm. Width: About 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm. Shape: Scale-like. Apex: Minutely aristulate. Base: Broadly obtuse. Margin: Entire; not undulate. Venation pattern: Parallel. Texture: Smooth, glabrous; soft and flexible. Color: Developing leaves, upper surface: Close to between N134A and 135A. Developing leaves, lower surface: Close to 141B to 141C. Fully expanded leaves, upper and lower surfaces: Close to between N134A and 135A; venation, close to between N134A and 135A. Cone description: To date, cone development has not been observed on trees of the new Thuja. Landscape performance: To date, trees of the new Thuja have been observed have good landscape performance, good winter hardiness and to tolerate wind, high humidity and temperatures ranging from about 26 C. to about 45 C. Pathogen & pest resistance: To date, trees of the new Thuja have not been observed to be resistant to pathogens and pests common to Thuja trees.