Thuja occidentalis 'Umbraculifera' is a selection of Arborvitae that grows much broader than high into a flattened globe when young . It is slow-growing and with age, assumes the form of an umbrella. Erect, densely arranged, twisted branches and very thin green foliage has a distinct glaucous bloom. After 10 years of growth, a mature plant will attain dimensions of 3 feet (1 m) tall and 6 feet (2 m) wide, a rate of growth of 3 to 4 inches (7.5 - 10 cm) per year more outward than up.
This is a very old cultivar that was introduced to the nursery trade in 1892 by Christopher Neder Nursery, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany. It can be assumed to be a selected seedling.