<i>Thuja </i>plant named ‘SMTOBM3’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Thuja plant named ‘SMTOBM3’ is disclosed, characterized by a narrow, columnar plant habit and dense foliage. Plants have distinctive twisting to the branchlets and cold tolerance to USDA Zone 3. The new cultivar is a Thuja, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Thuja plant named ‘SMTOBM3’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of ‘SMTOBM3’ grown outdoors in Grand Haven, Mich. The plants are approximately 8 years old, in the ground.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view of the branchlets of the new variety.

(3) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2007 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘SMTOBM3’ plants grown outdoors in Dayton, Oreg. Plants are approximately 2 to 3 years old, in a 3 gallon nursery container. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Thuja occidentalis ‘SMTOBM3’.

PROPAGATION

(5) Time to rooting: About 45 days at approximately 18-27° C. Root description: Moderately dense branching. Slightly woody, both fine and thick roots present. Colored white and tan, not accurately measured with the R.H.S. chart.

PLANT

(6) Growth habit: Perennial evergreen tree with a columnar habit. Height: 65 cm. Plant spread: 31 cm. Typical growth rate: Moderate. Pinching required: No. Branching characteristics: Upwards at acute angles. Average number of lateral branches: About 5 to 8 major vertical branches. Length of lateral branches: 49 to 60 cm. Diameter of lateral branches: 5 mm. Lateral branch shape in cross section: Oval. Lateral branch texture: Rough, scaly. Branch angle: About 15 degrees from center. Lateral branch color: Greyed-Orange 174B with mature bark near Grey-Brown 199B tinted Greyed-Red 181D. Lateral branch strength: Very strong, flexible. Internode length: Average range 2.5 to 4.5 cm. Main stem: Diameter.—About 2.5 cm at 2 years. Length.—About 28 cm at 2 years. Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Orange 177A. Texture.—Slightly scaly at 2 years.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.—Alternate, overlapping scales. Shape.—Scales. Average length.—1 mm. Average width.—1 mm. Apex.—Acuminate. Base.—Truncate. Margin.—Entire. Texture of top surface.—Smooth, waxy. Texture of bottom surface.—Smooth, waxy. Color.—Young foliage upper side: Yellow-green N145B. Young foliage under side: Yellow-green N145B. Mature foliage upper side: Green 137A. Mature foliage under side: Green 137A. Winter coloration: No noticeable change from mature foliage color. Venation.—Indistinguishable from leaf blade. Leaf gland.—Oblong, approximately 0.08 mm long and 0.05 mm long. Only visible under magnification. Colored near Yellow-Green 145C. Fragrance.—None.

FLOWER

(8) Flowering not observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(9) Disease and pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility observed. Drought tolerance: No tolerance for drought. Temperature tolerance: USDA Zones 3 through 8.