SelecTree

A Tree Selection Guide

AMERICAN ARBORVITAE

Thuja occidentalis

FAMILY Cupressaceae

SYNONYMS

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

EASTERN ARBORVITAE

TREE OF LIFE

NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR

ARBORVITAE

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See: all Thuja
Photo locations: San Francisco, CA, Washington Park Arboretum - Seattle, WA, The Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL, Stanford, CA, UC Berkeley Botanic Garden - Berkeley, CA, The National Arboretum - Washington, DC, Leaning Pine Arboretum - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA and Arnold Arboretum - Boston, MA
by C. Stubler, J. Reimer, M. Ritter

GENERAL INFO

Needs ample moisture.
Native range: Northeastern North AmericaHorticultural use: Hedged

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: ConicalFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 60 feetCanopy Width: 10-15 feetGrowth Rate: ~12-24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: Scale-likeLeaf color: GreenReproduction: Has either male or female reproductive parts (dioecious)Cones: Medium Beige or Brown ConePollen time: SummerBark Color: Red Brown, Exfoliating, FurrowedLitter Type: Dry Fruit

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: Greater than 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 1 - 9, 15 - 17, 21 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate

CONSIDERATIONS

Branch Strength: StrongRoot Damage Potential: ModeratePotential health issues: AllergyDisease and Pest susceptibility: Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot and Leaf Miner, Spider MitesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.

External Resources

WikipediaiNaturalistKewThe Wood Database

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Thuja occidentalis Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 19, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1398 >

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