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The weeping Alaskan cedar is a specimen conifer that commands attention with a single, rigidly upright trunk and cascading side branches draped in soft, dark green needles. Unlike broadly spreading weeping trees, this narrow, columnar form creates a vertical accent that defines a landscape without sprawling outward — making it the choice for gardeners who want the drama of a weeping habit in a tight footprint.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing nursery stock reviews, comparing conifer growth habits, studying USDA hardiness zone data, and mapping out which weeping evergreens deliver their promised mature form versus those that remain rooted cuttings in disguise.
Finding the true columnar weeping cedar that stays narrow and upright requires understanding the grafted form, rootstock vigor, and real mature dimensions. This guide breaks down the options so you can confidently choose a green arrow weeping alaskan cedar that will become a generational anchor in your garden.
How To Choose The Best Green Arrow Weeping Alaskan Cedar
Selecting a true Green Arrow Weeping Alaskan Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’) hinges on understanding its genetic form, not just its current height. Many weeping conifers sold online are seedlings or rooted cuttings that grow into wide, irregular shapes instead of the tight, narrow column that defines this cultivar.
Graft Quality and Rootstock
The authentic Green Arrow is a grafted tree. The top (scion) carries the weeping, columnar genetics while the rootstock provides hardiness and vigor. A low, clean graft union is essential — look for a pronounced knot near the base where the two tissues meet. Seedling-grown plants marketed as “weeping Alaskan cedar” lack this graft and will not develop the characteristic rigid upright leader.
Height vs. Width at Maturity
This cultivar matures at 20-35 feet tall but only 6-8 feet wide. If a seller lists a mature width of 10-15 feet, the tree is likely a standard weeping Alaskan cedar rather than the Green Arrow form. Always cross-reference the listed spread with the cultivar name — genuine Green Arrow stock is unmistakably narrow.
Container Size and Root Development
A #3 or #5 container (3-5 gallons) typically holds a 2-3 year grafted tree that is ready for transplant. Smaller pots (1-gallon or 4-inch cups) often contain rooted cuttings that are 12 months old or less — these are highly vulnerable to failure and may not exhibit the true weeping habit for another 2-3 seasons. Invest in a gallon+ container for a head start.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeping Alaska Cedar – Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ | Premium | Classic weeping form, spacious landscapes | Mature 35ft H x 10ft W | Amazon |
| Proven Winners Chamaecyparis p. Soft Serve | Premium | Soft texture, medium hedge or accent | Mature 6ft H x 6ft W | Amazon |
| Green Promise Farms Thuja ‘MR. Bowling Ball’ | Mid-Range | Dense rounded shrub, small spaces | Mature 4ft H x 4ft W | Amazon |
| Picea glauca ‘Conica’ (Dwarf Alberta Spruce) #3 Container | Premium | Pyramidal year-round evergreen | Mature 8ft H x 4ft W | Amazon |
| 5 Live Giant Sequoia Tree Sapling | Mid-Range | Fast-growing, large landscape statement | Max height 300+ ft | Amazon |
| Wintergreen Weeping Fig Tree – Ficus | Budget | Indoor weeping foliage, low light | Grows shiny leaves, 2 ft+ | Amazon |
| Weeping Willow, 2-3 ft Tree, 1 Gal Pot | Budget | Deciduous shade tree, fast growth | Height 2-3 ft upon arrival | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Weeping Alaska Cedar – Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ – 2 Year Live Plant
This is the genuine weeping form of Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, distinct from the columnar ‘Green Arrow’ but sharing the same elegant cascading branch habit. Its dark green foliage forms curtains that drape from sweeping, arching side branches, creating a stately accent that reaches 35 feet tall and 10 feet wide at maturity — broader than the ‘Green Arrow’ but still appropriate for a focal point in Zone 4-8 landscapes.
The listing describes a 2-year live plant, and real buyer reports converge on a critical point: the tree arrives as a small rooted cutting approximately 6-9 inches tall in a 4-inch cup. Several verified purchasers expressed surprise at the size, expecting a more developed tree given the premium pricing. The product images showing a mature specimen are aspirational, not representative of what ships.
For buyers who understand they are purchasing a young graft that requires 5-10 years to show its full weeping character, this tree is a sound investment from a nursery specializing in Japanese maples and evergreens. The organic stock and robust hardiness (Zone 4) give it a strong survival advantage. Just manage expectations around immediate visual impact — this is a long-term play.
What works
- Authentic Chamaecyparis nootkatensis genetics with true weeping form
- Very hardy — tolerates Zone 4 winters and drought once established
- Organic material used in growing process
What doesn’t
- Arrives as a tiny rooted cutting (6-9 inches), not the mature tree shown
- Misleading product description — buyers expecting a 2-3 foot tree will be disappointed
- Nursery pot is a 4-inch cup, not a standard 1-gallon container
2. Proven Winners – Chamaecyparis p. Soft Serve (False Cypress) #3 Size Container
While not a weeping cedar, this Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Soft Serve’ is the closest premium alternative for gardeners who want the feathery evergreen texture of a false cypress in a compact, mounding form. Its soft, thread-like foliage is distinctly different from the sharp-scaled Alaskan cedar, offering a touchable, cloud-like appearance that remains vibrant green through winter in Zones 5-8.
Delivered in a substantial #3 (3-gallon) container, this plant arrives fully rooted and ready for immediate transplant. Verified buyers consistently praise the generous size — one described it as “bigger than expected” — and the exceptional packaging that ensures healthy arrival even after multi-day shipping. The plant establishes quickly with moderate watering in its first season and then becomes remarkably low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
The mature size of 4-6 feet in both height and width makes it ideal for grouping into a low hedge or using as a stand-alone accent with year-round color. For contrast against a columnar weeping cedar, this soft-textured false cypress creates a compelling visual counterpoint. Just be aware it prefers partial shade in hotter climates, unlike the full-sun-loving Alaskan cedar.
What works
- Vigorous, healthy plant in a true 3-gallon container — large and well-rooted
- Deer-resistant and virtually care-free after first growing season
- Soft, unique foliage stands out against typical scaly evergreens
What doesn’t
- Not a weeping form — grows as a rounded mound, not a column
- Prefers partial shade in hotter Zones 7-8; full sun may cause browning
- Mature size limits use as a tall privacy screen
3. Green Promise Farms Thuja ‘MR. Bowling Ball’ (Arborvitae) #3 Size Container
If you need a dense, rounded evergreen for small landscape spaces — and the weeping Alaskan cedar’s 8-foot spread is too wide — this Thuja occidentalis ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ delivers perfect symmetry without any shearing. Its naturally globular form reaches 3-4 feet in both height and width, with emerald green foliage that keeps its tight shape without pruning. It is not a conifer, but it fills the same narrow-space gap.
Shipped in a #3 container, most buyers report healthy, bright green plants arriving undamaged even when the outer box is crushed. The variety is exceptionally easy to grow in full sun with moderate watering. One buyer with 15 plants noted significant size inconsistency — some trees were half the expected size and had cut leads — so ordering multiple specimens carries some risk of variation.
For a formal evergreen accent near an entryway or in a small bed, this arborvitae offers the same “set it and forget it” nature as a weeping cedar but in a completely different visual package. It is not a replacement for the pendulous form, but rather a partner plant that creates contrasting round shapes beneath taller columnar evergreens.
What works
- Naturally spherical habit — zero pruning required to maintain shape
- Thrives in full sun with minimal care once established
- Size is perfect for foundation planting or rock gardens
What doesn’t
- Size inconsistency between multiple plants ordered together
- Some arrivals had cut leads or brown foliage spreading over time
- Not a weeping or columnar form — strictly a rounded shrub
4. Picea glauca ‘Conica’ (Dwarf Alberta Spruce) #3 Size Container
This is not a weeping tree, but for gardeners seeking a slow-growing, pyramidal evergreen with the same premium container size as the Alaskan cedar, the Dwarf Alberta Spruce is the gold standard. Its dense, emerald green needles form a perfect miniature Christmas tree shape that reaches 6-8 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide over many years — a natural columnar alternative that fits tight spaces without the pendulous habit.
Delivered in a #3 (3-gallon) container at 12 pounds, this live plant arrives fully rooted and ready for immediate planting. Verified buyers consistently report that the tree is larger than expected, with excellent packaging that ensures healthy arrival. Multiple repeat buyers confirm that trees thrive after planting and grow noticeably — about 2 inches per year — making this a reliable investment for Zone 3-8 landscapes.
The trade-off for its compact form is slow growth and sensitivity to spider mites in hot, dry conditions. The prickly needles require gloves for handling, especially if you plan to decorate it as a living Christmas tree. For a low-maintenance, year-round green accent with a classic conical silhouette, this spruce outperforms most container-grown evergreens in its price range.
What works
- Large, healthy 3-gallon specimen — bigger and more established than expected
- Extremely cold-hardy down to Zone 3 with no winter damage
- Consistent pricing significantly lower than local nurseries
What doesn’t
- Very slow grower — only 2-4 inches of new growth per year
- Susceptible to spider mites in dry or stressful conditions
- Prickly needles make handling and decorating uncomfortable
5. 5 Live Giant Sequoia Tree Sapling (Approx. 1′-1.5′ Tall) – Nature’s Giant in Your Backyard
The weeping Alaskan cedar and the giant sequoia share virtually nothing in form — one is a narrow column of cascading foliage, the other a massive cone that can exceed 300 feet. Yet this product earns its place here because it is the go-to option for gardeners who want maximum height and statement impact from a live conifer, but who are frustrated by slow-growing columnar selections. These seedlings are fast-growing under ideal conditions, adding 2-3 feet per year.
The package includes 5 healthy saplings approximately 12-18 inches tall, well-packaged with water-retaining media. Verified buyers consistently report new growth emerging within weeks of arrival and excellent survival rates when planted in full sun with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The care instructions recommend potting seedlings upon arrival and transplanting to ground in fall, avoiding summer planting in hot zones.
For a gardener who wants a specimen tree that will outlive them and reach awe-inspiring proportions, this is the most cost-effective option. The seedlings are low-maintenance, requiring only deep watering during establishment and a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Just understand that the mature spread of 20+ feet makes these unsuitable for small urban lots, unlike the tight column of a true Green Arrow Cedar.
What works
- Sturdy, well-hydrated seedlings arrive in excellent condition
- Very fast growth rate — 2-3 feet per year under good conditions
- Excellent value for 5 live trees with high survival rates reported
What doesn’t
- Not a weeping or columnar form — grows into a massive cone over decades
- Requires ample space — mature spread exceeds 20 feet
- Summer ground planting not recommended; fall transplanting is preferred
6. Wintergreen Weeping Fig Tree – Ficus – Great Indoor Tree for Low Light – 8″ Pot
While this weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is not an outdoor conifer, it is the only true weeping tree in this list that can thrive indoors — making it the right choice for apartment or office dwellers who want cascading foliage without a backyard. Its glossy, teardrop-shaped leaves create a full, drooping canopy that fits the “weeping” aesthetic in a small, manageable package that stays under 6 feet indoors with pruning.
Shipped in an 8-inch pot with moderately moist soil, this plant is marketed as thriving in low-light conditions (wintergreen being the cold-tolerant variant). Verified buyers report receiving healthy specimens roughly 2 feet tall that recover quickly from shipping wilt. One buyer noted a roach infestation in the soil, so immediate repotting and inspection is advised as a precaution with any shipped houseplant.
The weeping fig is not a substitute for the architectural presence of an Alaskan cedar — it is a completely different plant for a completely different use case. But if you need affordable, indoor weeping foliage with reliable growth in partial shade and a reputation for durability (one owner reported 4 years of healthy growth), this ficus delivers. Just know it drops leaves dramatically if moved or overwatered.
What works
- Thrives in low-light indoor conditions — rare for a weeping form
- Durable and forgiving — recovers quickly from shipping stress
- Full, glossy foliage creates a beautiful weeping silhouette indoors
What doesn’t
- Not a conifer — deciduous foliage drops with stress or change of location
- Pest risk — soil can harbor bugs (roaches, gnats) requiring immediate repotting
- Smaller than expected on arrival; product images overstate height
7. Weeping Willow, Deciduous, Fast-Growing, Shade Tree, 2-3 ft Tree Height, 1 gal Nursery Pot
The weeping willow is the quintessential fast-growing, deciduous shade tree with cascading branches — the polar opposite of the slow-growing, evergreen Alaskan cedar. But for buyers on a budget who want immediate weeping impact in a large landscape, this small potted tree (2-3 feet upon arrival) can achieve 40-60 feet of mature height within a decade, producing the classic curtain-like droop that defines the “weeping” look.
Shipped in a 1-gallon nursery pot with moist soil and plant food crystals, the trees arrive well-packed with healthy roots and no limb damage according to most verified buyers. The majority report excellent survival rates with new growth appearing within weeks. However, one buyer received trees significantly shorter than advertised and in poor condition, with non-returnable shipping costs, so individual results vary.
Critical note for serious gardeners: these willows cannot ship to California, Arizona, Alaska, or Hawaii due to agricultural restrictions, and they require consistently moist soil to thrive — dry soil causes rapid decline. The invasive root system also demands placement at least 50 feet from structures and sewer lines. For a disposable, high-impact weeping tree that grows like a weed, this is the cheapest entry point, but it is deciduous and short-lived (30-50 years) compared to an Alaskan cedar.
What works
- Extremely fast growth — can exceed 10 feet in the first season
- Immediate weeping form with classic cascading branches
- Well-packed with hydrated roots and food crystals included
What doesn’t
- Cannot be shipped to CA, AZ, AK, or HI due to agricultural laws
- Invasive root system — must be planted far from buildings and pipes
- Drops all leaves in winter — no winter presence like a conifer
Hardware & Specs Guide
Graft Union and Rootstock
The single most important structural feature of a grafted weeping Alaskan cedar is the graft union — the swollen knot where the weeping scion meets the upright rootstock. A healthy graft union should be visible near the base of the trunk, showing a distinct change in bark texture. Grafts that are buried, invisible, or absent indicate a seedling-grown tree that will not produce the narrow columnar form. Premium specimens use Chamaecyparis nootkatensis rootstock for perfect compatibility, while budget options may use Thuja or other hardy rootstock that alters the final shape.
Foliage Density and Color
True Green Arrow Alaskan Cedar produces dark green, scale-like foliage arranged in flattened sprays that droop downward from ascending branches. The foliage should feel soft and flexible, not sharp or prickly like juniper. The density of the spray — how tightly packed the scales are along the branchlet — determines how “full” the tree looks. Sparse foliage indicates a weak graft, nutrient deficiency, or a juvenile cutting that has not yet matured into its adult form. Full sun (6+ hours) is required to maintain deep green color; partial shade produces a bluish-green tint and looser habit.
FAQ
How tall and wide does a Green Arrow Weeping Alaskan Cedar actually get?
Can a weeping Alaskan cedar be pruned to stay even narrower?
Why do some weeping Alaska cedars arrive as tiny cuttings instead of trees?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners seeking the true narrow, columnar weeping form, the green arrow weeping alaskan cedar winner is the Weeping Alaska Cedar – Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ because it delivers authentic weeping genetics in a hardy, Zone 4-tolerant package that, while wider than the true Green Arrow, provides the same stately presence with proper grafted roots. If you want a soft-textured, deer-resistant evergreen that requires zero maintenance after year one, grab the Proven Winners Chamaecyparis Soft Serve. And for a fast-growing deciduous weeper that creates immediate shade on a budget, nothing beats the Weeping Willow — just be ready for its invasive roots and seasonal dormancy.