Russian arborvitae is a coniferous evergreen shrub that grows in a spreading mat or low mound, a lot like creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis). The foliage is held in flat sprays which curve gracefully downward at the tips. Foliage and shoots are bright yellowish green, turning dirty brown or purplish in winter. The leaves are like sharp pointed triangular scales, just 1/8 in (0.3 cm) long, and closely held to the twigs. Shade-grown specimens may produce some needlelike leaves as well. The cones are tiny, 1/8 in (0.3 cm) long, with leathery pale brown scales enclosing a single seed. Russian arborvitae doesn't get over 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) tall, but its spread is indefinite. Russian arborvitae can be distinguished from the groundcover junipers by its downward nodding stem tips.