CHINESE THUJA
Platycladus orientalis
FAMILY Cupressaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
ORIENTAL ARBORVITAE
BIOTA
CHINESE ARBOR VITAE
CHINESE ARBORVITAE
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See: all Platycladus
GENERAL INFO
Needs ample water and good drainage.
Native range: China and KoreaHorticultural use: Screen or Hedged or TopiaryEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: Platycladus is a monotypic genus relative to cedar and juniper. P. orientalis is native to China, where it has been used for millennia in Chinese traditional medicine to treat hemorrhage, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. Typically, the leaves are collected and made into a tea decoction. (Shan et al., 2014) Citations Page
Native range: China and KoreaHorticultural use: Screen or Hedged or TopiaryEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: Platycladus is a monotypic genus relative to cedar and juniper. P. orientalis is native to China, where it has been used for millennia in Chinese traditional medicine to treat hemorrhage, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. Typically, the leaves are collected and made into a tea decoction. (Shan et al., 2014) Citations Page
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 20 feetCanopy Width: 10-15 feetGrowth Rate: ~24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Whorled, SimpleLeaf Shape: Scale-likeLeaf color: GreenReproduction: Has male and female reproductive parts in each flower (perfect)Cones: Medium Brown or Mostly Blue ConePollen time: FallBark Color: Red Brown, Scaly, SmoothLitter Type: Bark, Dry Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 2' to 4'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 2 - 24, H1, H2Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly AlkalineWind Resistance: Medium Low
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: ModeratePotential health issues: No known hazardsBiogenic Emissions: LowDisease and Pest susceptibility: Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot and Spider MitesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Platycladus orientalis Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jul 20, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1110 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1110 >
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