This spreading coniferous shrub forms a low mound habit with reddish stems. The small scale-like leaves are bright mid-green and turn bronze during winter. The male and female cones may appear on the same plant during spring.   

Hardiness zones 3 to 9 

Microbiota decussata is naturally found in south-eastern Siberia growing in well drained moderately fertile soils in an open sunny position and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

The Russian Arborvitae is a low growing hardy shrub that is used in parks and gardens as a ground cover and is planted singularly or in groups. It may also be grown in containers and establishes in 3 to 5 years tolerating cold conditions. It is suitable for coastal or mountain regions and is used in small gardens, rockeries as a spill-over. ID 1745

Note:
This shrub tolerates extremes of temperature and is suitable for high altitudes.

Microbiota (mik-ro-by-OH-tuh) decussata (de-KUSS-ah-tuh)             

Cupressaceae (kew-press-AY-see-ee)
Coniferous Trees