BRIAN PAIGE
FEATURED RECEIVES PLANT BEACON AWARD
BRIAN PAIGE
FEATURED RECEIVES PLANT BEACON AWARD
Featured Plant from UMass: Microbiota decussata By Amanda Bayer, UMass Extension Horticulturist
Looking for an alternative to groundcover juniper? Siberian carpet cypress has a similar mat forming habit with the fan-like, soft foliage of arborvitae. Microbiota decussata is the singular species in the genus Microbioata. It is closely related to the genus Platycladus, formerly known as Biota. The specific epithet decussata is in reference to the arrangement of the foliage – opposite pairs of scale like leaves held at right angles to the pairs above and below. It’ s other common name, Russian arborvitae, refers to its native habitat of Russia where it is endemic to the Sikhote-Alin mountains.
Microbiota decussata is a spreading groundcover growing 8-18” tall and spreading 3-12’ wide, similar in form to groundcover juniper but with branch tips nodding downward. The foliage is dominantly scale-like in flat fan-like spray similar to arborvitae. It occasionally has awl-like foliage but in general has the softer texture of arborvitae. Foliage is bright green in the summer turning bronze-purple in fall and winter. The fruit is tiny berry-like cones with woody scales.
Hardy to zones 3-7, Siberian carpet cypress prefers cooler climates and is not suited for areas with hot humid summers. It does best in an average well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Although it does best with more sun it is tolerant of more shade. Overall Microbiota decussata is very low maintenance but does not tolerate poorly drained soil which will lead to root rot. It also has good deer resistance. It is best used as a groundcover for banks and slopes but can also be used a specimen.
Cultivars:
‘ Condavis’ Fuzzball – fuzzy bright green foliage; 1-2’ tall by 3’ wide( featured above)
‘ Prides’ – Celtic Pride – disease resistant variety; 1-3’ tall and 4-5’ wide
‘ Condrew’ Drew’ s Blue – blue-green summer color; 1-2 x 2-3
‘ Gold Spot’ – patches of yellow variegation UMass Extension Seeks Sustainable Turf & Landscapes Educator
Reprinted from UMass Hort Notes 2024 Vol. 35:10
MALP Newsline | Spring 2025 13