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.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information