Different Names for Green Giants

Thuja Green Giant: Why is it called so many different things?

Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is a popular cultivar of arborvitae that is known for its fast growth, tall stature, and dense foliage. While "Thuja Green Giant" is the most commonly used name for this cultivar, it is also known by several other names, including Green Giant arborvitae, Green Giant western arborvitae, Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant', Thuja plicata 'Green Giant', Green Giant cedar, Giant arborvitae, and Western giant arborvitae.

There are several reasons why people use these different names for Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae. Some of the main reasons are:

  1. Common names vs. botanical names: One reason why people use different names for plants is that there are often multiple common names for the same plant. Common names are names that are used by people in everyday conversation, while botanical names are scientific names that are used by botanists and other experts. In the case of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, the different names reflect different common names that people use to refer to the same plant.

  2. Regional variations: Another reason why people use different names for plants is that there may be regional variations in the common names used. For example, Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is commonly known as Green Giant arborvitae in some regions, while it is known as Giant arborvitae in others. These regional variations can be influenced by factors such as local dialects and historical usage.

  3. Taxonomic changes: The botanical name of a plant can change over time due to taxonomic revisions. In the case of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae, it was originally classified as a hybrid between two species of Thuja, namely Thuja plicata and Thuja standishii. However, recent genetic studies have shown that it is actually a hybrid between Thuja plicata and a third species, Thuja koraiensis. As a result, some sources now refer to the plant as Thuja plicata 'Green Giant', while others use the more specific name Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant'.

  4. Marketing and branding: Finally, some of the different names for Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae may be the result of marketing and branding efforts by nurseries and garden centers. For example, Green Giant arborvitae may be used as a brand name by a particular nursery or retailer, while Western giant arborvitae may be used to emphasize the plant's origins in the western United States.

In conclusion, Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae is known by several different names due to a variety of factors, including common names, regional variations, taxonomic changes, and marketing efforts. While the different names can be confusing, they all refer to the same popular cultivar of arborvitae that is valued for its fast growth, tall stature, and dense foliage.

Common Names Include: 

  1. Green Giant arborvitae
  2. Green Giant western arborvitae
  3. Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant'
  4. Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'
  5. Green Giant cedar
  6. Giant arborvitae
  7. Western giant arborvitae
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