Northern White Cedar

(Thuja occidentalis)

Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Northern White Cedar, is an evergreen tree native to forests and bogs in the Central and Eastern regions of the USA and Candada. Unlike its relative, the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), it is typically a small to medium-sized tree, reaching heights of 49 feet (15 meters) with a trunk diameter of 3 feet (0.9 meters). Exceptionally, it can grow up to 125 feet (38 meters) tall with a trunk diameter of 5.9 feet (1.8 meters). In less favorable locations, the tree may be stunted or prostrate.

The bark of the Northern White Cedar is red-brown, furrowed, and peels in narrow, longitudinal strips. Its branches are fan-like with scaly leaves, forming flat sprays with scale-like leaves measuring 3–5 millimeters long. It is widely used as an ornamental tree for screens and hedges in gardens, parks, and cemeteries. Over 300 cultivars exist, exhibiting a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. In cultivation, it thrives best in full sun or part shade, with medium water requirements, and in soils with varying drainage speeds, from fast to slow.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Trees
  • Height: 25-40 feet
  • Width: 10-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season:
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet forests, coniferous swamps, and on cliffs

Other Names

Common Names: Eastern White Cedar , Arborvitae , Swamp Cedar , Eastern Arborvitae , Northern White-Cedar , American Arbor-Vitae , Arbor-Vitae , Eastern Arbor-Vitae , Eastern White-Cedar , Tree Of Life

Scientific Names: Thuja occidentalis , Thuja occidentalis var. pyramidalis , Thuya occidentalis , Thuja canadensis , Thuja occidentalis f. ellwangeriana , Thuja occidentalis var. filiformis , Thuja occidentalis var. vervaeneana , Thuja occidentalis f. ericoides , Thuja occidentalis var. pendula , Thuja occidentalis f. hoveyi

GBIF Accepted Name: Thuja occidentalis L.