Thuja occidentalis
TAXONOMY
FamilyCupressaceae
GenusThuja
Zone3
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Northern White Cedar or Eastern Arborvitae, is a species of tree in the Cupressaceae family. Native to eastern North America, it is often found in wetlands and along riverbanks. This evergreen tree is known for its dense, conical shape and aromatic wood. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
American Arbor-Vitae
Arbor-Vitae
Chamaecyparis Boursieri
Cupressus Arborvitae
Cupressus Nobleana
Eastern Arborvitae
Retinispora Devriesiana
Retinispora Dubia
Retinispora Glaucescens
Retinispora Keteleeri
Retinispora Meldensis
Retinispora Nobleana
Retinispora Pygmaea
White Cedar
Juniperus ericoides
Retinispora ellwangeriana
Thuja bodmeri
Thuja canadensis
Thuja caucasica
Thuja compacta
Thuja devriesiana
Thuja ellwangeriana
Thuja ericoides
Thuja globosa
Thuja hoveyi
Thuja minor
Thuja nana
Thuja obtusa
Thuja occidentalis f. alba
Thuja occidentalis f. aurea
Thuja occidentalis f. aureovariegata
Thuja occidentalis f. buchananii
Thuja occidentalis f. compacta
Thuja occidentalis f. cristata
Thuja occidentalis f. ellwangeriana
Thuja occidentalis f. ericoides
Thuja occidentalis f. fastigiata
Thuja occidentalis f. filicoides
Thuja occidentalis f. filiformis
Thuja occidentalis f. gaspensis
Thuja occidentalis f. globosa
Thuja occidentalis f. hoveyi
Thuja occidentalis f. lutea
Thuja occidentalis f. magnifica
Thuja occidentalis f. mastersii
Thuja occidentalis f. occidentalis
Thuja occidentalis f. ohlendorffii
Thuja occidentalis f. pendula
Thuja occidentalis f. pendula-glauca
Thuja occidentalis f. prostrata
Thuja occidentalis f. pumila
Thuja occidentalis f. riversii
Thuja occidentalis f. robusta
Thuja occidentalis f. rosenthalii
Thuja occidentalis f. sempervirens
Thuja occidentalis f. umbraculifera
Thuja occidentalis f. variegata
Thuja occidentalis f. vervaeneana
Thuja occidentalis f. viridis
Thuja occidentalis f. wareana-lutescens
Thuja occidentalis f. woodwardii
Thuja occidentalis var. alba
Thuja occidentalis var. aurea
Thuja occidentalis var. aureovariegata
Thuja occidentalis var. buchananii
Thuja occidentalis var. compacta
Thuja occidentalis var. cristata
Thuja occidentalis var. douglasii
Thuja occidentalis var. douglasii-pyramidalis
Thuja occidentalis var. fastigiata
Thuja occidentalis var. filiformis
Thuja occidentalis var. globosa
Thuja occidentalis var. hoveyi
Thuja occidentalis var. lutea
Thuja occidentalis var. magnifica
Thuja occidentalis var. pendula
Thuja occidentalis var. plicata
Thuja occidentalis var. robusta
Thuja occidentalis var. rosenthalii
Thuja occidentalis var. sempervirens
Thuja occidentalis var. umbraculifera
Thuja occidentalis var. variegata
Thuja occidentalis var. variegata-aurea
Thuja occidentalis var. vervaeneana
Thuja occidentalis var. woodwardii
Thuja odorata
Thuja procera
Thuja recurva
Thuja recurvata
Thuja sibirica
Thuja sibirica var. pendula
Thuja tatarica
Thuja theophrasti
Thuja variegata
Thuja vervaeneana
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Thuja occidentalis thrives in temperate climates with moderate temperatures. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil partially moist. The tree benefits from moderate humidity levels.Soil
This tree prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in fertile, moist conditions. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Fertilize Thuja occidentalis in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the tree.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Thuja occidentalis as it is typically grown outdoors. However, if grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.Propagation
Propagate Thuja occidentalis through cuttings or seeds. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall and root them in a well-draining soil mix. Seeds can be sown in the fall and require a cold stratification period to germinate.Pruning
Prune Thuja occidentalis in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches and shape the tree to maintain its desired form. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the tree.Toxicity
Thuja occidentalis is not considered toxic to pets or humans. However, the foliage contains thujone, which can be mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities. It is generally safe to handle and grow in gardens.Additional
Thuja occidentalis is often used as a hedge or privacy screen due to its dense foliage and fast growth rate. It is also valued for its resistance to deer browsing and its ability to provide year-round greenery in landscapes.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
