Plant Profile: Microbiota decussata

This is a compact evergreen conifer that creates a delicate groundcover with an elegant branching structure. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "micro," meaning small, and "Biota," which is an outdated term for Platycladus.

In winter, when exposed to sunlight, the foliage shifts to shades of bronze and burgundy. The leaves are feathery and dull green, featuring a graceful branching pattern with small, scale-like, awl-shaped leaflets. The branchlets are arranged in flattened sprays, and the bright green needles have a scale-like appearance and a soft texture, transitioning to bronzy-purple or brown during the colder months.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is more tolerant of shade compared to groundcover junipers.