Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae
Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis ‘Bobazam’
Family: Cupressaceae
Location on Campus: 46.891504, -96.799557
Description: Dwarf American arborvitae often used in landscapes as foundations, shrub borders, or as a specimen plant. Since minimal pruning is required, it is a low-maintenance and versatile shrub.
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Native Habitat: Eastern North America.
Mature Size: Height: 2’ to 3’, Spread: 2’ to 3’
Form (Shape): Round.
Growth Rate: Slow to medium.
Foliage: Coniferous; dense, lacy, thread-like, blue-green foliage; changes to yellow-brown-green in winter.
Texture: Medium to fine.
Flowers: Non-flowering.
Fruit: Cones, non-ornamental.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Cool, moist, well-drained soil.
Propagation: Cuttings from newest year’s growth, and tissue culture.
Failure Patterns: Susceptible to winter burn, or over-browsing from deer and rabbits.
Insects and Diseases: Severe susceptibility to deer browsing; bagworms, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites can be occasional problems.
Landscape Use: Borders, containers, hedges, screens.
Availability: Widely available in nurseries.
