As extreme as cultivars can sometimes differ from the species form, one would never suspect that 'Rheingold' was an Arborvitae; it looks more like a Juniper that was standing in a mud puddle when a lightning bolt hit. Anyway, as is the destiny with strange-looking plants, many Rheingold Arborvitae have been sold and installed into landscapes, due to the vibrant gold-orange new growth that contrasts with the old interior foliage that displays a solid light-green background.