Thuja occidentalis

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.