Thuja occidentalis (Northern White Cedar) is an evergreen ornamental tree that is native to much of the eastern side of North America. The tree is often used as a screen or hedge, grown by bonsai enthusiasts, used widely in the timber industry and in recent times has become a popular essential oil and medicinal plant.
Suitable for Cold and Temperate climates.
Thuja occidentalis is also commonly referred to as the Eastern White Cedar, White Cedar, Swamp Cedar, The American Arborvitae or simply the Arborvitae (which translates to Tree of Life). The native range of this species stretches from the Canadian Arctic tree line in the north to as far south as Tennessee and as far west as Illinois.
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Growth
Thuja occidentalis is an evergreen, coniferous tree that grows to a maximum height of 15 metres (49 feet) and a maximum width of 5 metres (16 feet). It grows at a rather slower rate than other conifers. Northern White Cedars enjoy moist, cold climates where the growing season is short (90-120 days).
Although it grows in almost any soil, including heavy clayish types, the best specimens in North America are on well-drained land. It is a very hardy species tolerating extremely cold temperatures down to -45°C/-49°F.
The foliage forms in flat sprays with leaves that are like scales while the seed cones are small and contain about eight seeds in each. When growing Northern White Cedar from seed it takes around 8-10 years for the tree to start producing cones.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Cupressaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold and Temperate climate
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-45 to 25°C / -49 to 77°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 15 metres (49 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 5 metres (16 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
8-10 Years
GERMINATION RATES:
40-50%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak 24 hours
Cold Stratification for 8 weeks, post sowing germination averages around 3-4 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
420
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Young shoots are added to soups.
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT THUJA OCCIDENTALIS (Northern White Cedar)
Thuja occidentalis makes a versatile timber that can be used for posts, fencing, log cabins and wooden canoes.
One of the common names, Arborvitae (which means Tree of Life) is said to come from early French settlers to North America who learned from Native Americans that the tree’s foliage (high in Vitamin C) could be used to treat scurvy.
The essential oil made from the leaves and branches can be used to make soaps, insecticides, perfume and cleaners. It also has a wide range of medicinal applications that include detoxification, blood circulation and in treating painful joints and muscles. Native Americans made teas from the twigs to relieve constipations and headaches.
It is one of the four plants of the Ojibwe medicine wheel and is sacred among their culture for its use in crafts, construction and medicine. They nicknamed the tree the Grandmother Cedar (Nookomis Giizhik).
For more information on the medicinal benefits of Northern White Cedar click here.
