Thuja occidentalis Northern White Cedar
General
A valuable species for lumber, due to its rot-resistant properties. The dense canopy creates a winter habitat for wildlife, and creates a nice living fence or hedge in landscaping. The leaves, stems, and fruits also provide food for wildlife.
Northern white cedar is a shade-tolerant species; however, it will grow fastest in a sunny, well-drained area. Tolerant of a wide range of hydrologic conditions, from xeric cliff faces to hydric peatlands. When planting in wetlands, it is best to plant on a hummock where the soils are not constantly inundated with water.
Named Arborvitae (“tree of life”) by early explorers when Native Americans taught them to use the oils in the leaves to treat scurvy.
Plant Description
A medium, conical, evergreen tree, normally 40-50 feet at maturity. Leaves are scale-like and branches present in dense, flattened sprays. Bark is fibrous and somewhat shaggy. Monoecious, bearing small cones.
Height (ft)
40-50, occasionally up to 100
Spread (ft)
10-20
Soil moisture
Tolerant of a wide range of moisture levels, from cliffs to raised areas in wetlands. Cannot withstand prolonged periods of flooding. Growth is most vigorous in well-drained soils.
Soil types
Neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Grows well in mineral and organic soils.
Wetland indicator
FACW
Shade tolerance
Intermediate
Bloom color
Inconspicuous
Bloom period
Mid-Spring
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Medium
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Native to southeastern Canada and northeastern to northcentral United States.