Thuja plicata 'Zebrina Extra Gold' is a vigorous-growing selection of western red-cedar that is similar to 'Zebrina' but a bit slower growing and with a much larger area of golden color and more pronounced variegation. The gold color is better than shown in the picture, and is best on new growth. It appears that the variegation has a different pattern than 'Zebrina,' but this is a young plant and hard to say what the ultimate difference may be.
After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will stand over 10 feet (3 m) tall and 4 feet (1.3 m) wide, a growth rate in excess of 12 inches (30 cm) annually.
This cultivar originated as a branch mutation (sport) found on a specimen of 'Zebrina.' The nature of the discovery and introduction to the nursery trade is unknown at this time. It is sometimes seen listed simply as, 'Extra Gold' in some catalogs and at some nurseries.
