You probably should be clearer on size needed. For one thing, big can mean different things in parts of the country, or city vs country. Are we talking 10 feet or 200 feet?

But I will guess closer to the smaller; I am no expert but I have a Cryptomeria japonica 'Gyokruyo' that I suspect no one else would suggest partly because it is described as a large bush, 8' tall--6' wide. I am reasonably sure that this is the little potted almost fern like 12 to 18" potted plant that can occasionally be found before Christmas that looks like a micro Christmas tree that you could put on a coffee table or something. You could certainly hang very small orniments on one; the branches are stiff and reasonably close together.

I suggest it because it doesn't drop anything. I believe it is listed as 8' tall because people may often top it early and it never gets a leader. I didn't know anything about it and left mine alone. It grows perhaps 18" per year and is about 15 ft tall now while full and symetrical, like a big Christmas tree.

There is a similar plant, the 'yoshino'. It is softer and is listed to grow to 40'.

You’re correct in my need to clarify. I’m not looking for any type of tree like what you’re describing. I don’t want a pine tree or a pine looking tree. I’m looking for a tree with individual leaves. Large. We have an evergreen tree that i think was a type of Ashe tree out west. It kept its leaves and grew extremely fast reaching approx 30’ in no time. I want something with a trunk so no Bush like trees.

Not all that many temperate climate broadleaved evergreen trees and even fewer that could work or be hardy in NC. Maybe one of the smaller evergreen magnolias, like Little Gem or Teddy Bear. And you would need someone closer to your location to comment on how Arbutus might work.

You may have better luck growing a BLE shrub in a single stemmed, tree-like form.....camellia, Carolina laurel, privet. But I wouldn't consider any of these very fast growing.

Not all that many temperate climate broadleaved evergreen trees and even fewer that could work or be hardy in NC.

I thought the above says it all. I was going to say that you brought the count down to zero, but then I realized that I have a couple (what I assume are native) holly 'trees'. They are not very stately, but they are real trees about 20' or perhaps a good deal taller. They are not very messy, but most holly leaves will scratch you up.

I'd like to hear what John thinks about this.

gardengal48: I admit that I have no name for those micro xmas trees, but the branches look and feel Exactly like my 'Gyokruyo'. Very short, very stiff 'needles' and certainly nothing like the Lawson cypress or stone pines I just googled. I have cut off several dead branches over 10 years, but the dead needles stuck to the branch.

Chas, there is certainly the possibility that your tabletop tree is the crypt...........but named cultivars of ANY conifer are rarely, if ever, used for this purpose. They are simply too expensive and time consuming to propagate. Even 1G 'starter' plants of various cryptomeria cultivars carry a $30 price tag in my area and we generate more conifers for the entire US landscape industry in the PNW than anywhere else in the country.

Well, I''m not sure when I last saw the mini plants for sale, could be five years or more. They were probably $15 or so. And I am only going on memory for shape of 'needle' etc., but they seemed unique to me. THIS is an example of what my tree branches look like, but I often see links that appear to be something else. Mine has cones as shown although not so many and only recently.

I bought mine from a local nurseryman (a one man shop), and I suppose his could be mis-marked. I still have his price list from 2008 and the 5 gal pot was $12 wholesale. He was installing a patio and providing landscaping. BTW, when I google it, I far more often find the 8' height, although I see the tall listings too. I almost never find an example of a pure conical shape like mine. Unfortunately, the nurseryman set it closer to the house based on the 6' wide common listing, but at least his setting was generous so there is still a little room for some further growth.

pink_peony: take a look at THIS link from this site. It shows a large holly. Certainly not stately, but it has a trunk. Otherwise, I think you should just forget about evergreen and then someone here will find all sorts of nice options for you.

Magnolias would work but they shade out everything underneath them so don't expect a lawn under that canopy. Only some of them are evergreen so be careful what you choose.

If you have the time to wait, some of the Indian Hawthorne's will get to small tree size but I imagine it will take at least 20 years. They will lose most of their leaves during a really cold winter.

I've seen some form of Cherry Laurel get big but most of them are bush sized.

Hollies can be gorgeous when tree sized but the spines on the leaves are a pain - especially if you like to walk around barefoot like I do.

If the space any form of shelter from winter wind you could attempt a Loquat or a hardy palm.

Pink, where in NC are you?

Zone 7 b