Cedar, White
At a Glance
Latin Name: Thuja occidentalis
Zones: 3-7
Other common names: northern white-cedar, American arborvitae, arborvitae, eastern white-cedar, white-cedar, swamp-cedar
Mature Height/spread: Arborvitae (Tree of Life) can grow up to 40-50 ft with a spread of 10-15′. Slow to medium growth rate average 13-24″ per year in ideal conditions.
Climate: Full sun. Partial shade is tolerated but plants become thin, open and much less appealing. Does well in cold climates.
Soil: White Cedar enjoy limestone soils, moist, boggy areas, is tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils.
Notes: An evergreen tree with fan-like branches and scaly leaves. Conical shape, dense lumber is prized for its resistance to rot. Can be single-or multi-trunked. Has light brown or reddish-brown oblong blunt tip cones that are 3/8 -1/2″ in diameter. White cedar is commercially used for rustic fencing and posts, lumber, poles, shingles and in the construction of log cabins. Good for hedges, screens and windbreaks: place seedlings three feet apart for a tight hedge.
The White Cedar can live up to 800 years old and contains a great deal of Vitamin C in its foliage.
Wildlife: Often browsed by deer. Cover and nesting for birds. Seeds are eaten by squirrels and birds.
Wetland tolerant, preferred habitat
Provides habitat for deer
Bare Root Transplant Purchase Size: 12-18 in.
Bare Root "Seedling" Purchase Size: 6-12 in.
More Information