THUJA OCCIDENTALIS / EASTERN WHITE CEDAR

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS / EASTERN WHITE CEDAR

A Native Evergreen Tree with Year-Round Interest and Wildlife Value

Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Eastern White Cedar, is a native evergreen tree admired for its dense, rich green foliage, narrow conical shape, and exceptional winter interest. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils, Eastern White Cedar is ideal for hedges, screens, wildlife gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Its adaptability, low maintenance, and ecological benefits make it a standout native tree.

Why Choose Eastern White Cedar?

Evergreen Foliage: Retains bright green, scale-like leaves year-round.
Wildlife Friendly: Provides cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.
Low Maintenance & Hardy: Resilient, long-lived, and tolerant of a range of soil types.
Versatile Use: Works well as a specimen tree, hedge, or in naturalized plantings.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Rich green, scale-like leaves; maintains color through winter.
Flower Color: Small, inconspicuous cones in spring.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 40–60 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 2–7.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 40–60 feet tall, 10–15 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, narrow, conical evergreen tree.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–7.
Flowering/Fruiting: Small cones appear in spring; seeds attract wildlife.
Year-Round Interest: Dense evergreen foliage provides winter structure and color.

Ideal Uses:

Hedges & Screens: Perfect for privacy or windbreaks.
Wildlife Plantings: Provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals.
Specimen Trees: Works well as a focal point in gardens and landscapes.
Naturalized Landscapes: Fits native woodland edges and wetland margins.

Eastern White Cedar is a hardy, low-maintenance native evergreen. Its year-round foliage, wildlife benefits, and versatility make it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, hedges, and wildlife-friendly plantings.