Thuja occidentalis

Thuja occidentalis is an evergreen conifer in the cypress family, Cupressaceae, commonly known as northern white-cedar, eastern white-cedar, or arborvitae.

Thuja occidentalis is an evergreen conifer in the cypress family, Cupressaceae, commonly known as northern white-cedar, eastern white-cedar, or arborvitae. It is native to eastern Canada and the northeastern and north-central United States and is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree.

Taxonomy and naming

Thuja occidentalis is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae, and is the accepted scientific name for northern white-cedar. The species is also widely known as eastern white-cedar and arborvitae.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to eastern Canada and the northern United States, with populations extending from the Atlantic provinces west to Manitoba and south in scattered areas to the Appalachians. It grows in a range of habitats, especially moist sites and calcareous soils.

Description

Thuja occidentalis is an evergreen conifer that may grow as a tree or a dense shrub. It has scale-like leaves, aromatic foliage, and small oblong cones that mature in the first year.

Uses and cultivation

The species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is commonly used in hedges and foundation plantings. It is also referenced in traditional and medicinal uses in some sources, though those uses are outside its core botanical description.