northern whitecedar (Thuja occidentalis) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Northern whitecedar is an evergreen tree native to northern U.S. wetlands and widely planted as a hedge. Its flat, fragrant leafy branches carry small brown seed cones rather than the blue, berry-like cones of eastern redcedar. It is also called American arborvitae.

Appearance

Appearance: Wild trees are usually 40–60 ft (12–18 m) tall, though exceptional trees can be taller. The crown is conical, and the reddish- to gray-brown bark peels in narrow fibrous strips.
Leaves: Tiny scale-like leaves cover flat, fan-shaped sprays. The foliage is yellowish green and releases a strong scent when crushed.
Fruit: The seed cones are about 1/3–1/2 in (9–14 mm) long. They are green or yellow when young and turn brown as they mature.

Look-alikes

Eastern redcedarJuniperus virginiana

Northern whitecedar has flat sprays and small woody brown cones. Female eastern redcedars carry blue, berry-like cones and often have less evenly flattened branchlets.

Why they get mixed upBoth are aromatic, scale-leaved evergreens native to eastern North America.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: swamps
lakeshores
limestone cliffs
yards and hedges
Range: It is native from eastern and central Canada into the north-central and northeastern United States, with small, scattered southern stands along the Appalachians. It is widely planted outside its wild range.
Preferred conditions: It grows best in moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil and tolerates wet ground. Full sun or partial shade works well, but exposed dry sites can cause winter browning.

Life cycle

Reproduction: It reproduces by seed and can also naturally when low branches root against the ground. Named are commonly propagated from cuttings.

Growing it

Care: It is hardy in USDA Zones 3–7 and is widely used for hedges, screens, and windbreaks. Cultivars range from narrow green columns to small golden globes.

Name and classification

About the name: The name “cedar” is traditional, but this species belongs to the cypress family rather than the true cedars (Cedrus).
Varieties and forms: Common garden forms include the narrow, dense ‘Smaragd’ or Emerald Green and rounded golden cultivars such as ‘Golden Globe’.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
Threats: Heavy deer browsing can remove seedlings and saplings, while ice and wet snow may split landscape trees.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: The name arborvitae means “tree of life.”
Its decay-resistant wood has long been valued for fence posts and other outdoor uses.

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