Thuja occidentalis aka White Cedar
Taxonomy ID: 8599
Thuja occidentalis, also known as northern white-cedar or eastern arborvitae, is an evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family Cupressaceae. It is native to eastern Canada and much of the north-central and northeastern United States, but widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. The tree has a dwarf, rounded, dome-shaped form and displays bright gold foliage in spring, transitioning to sage-green with red tips in autumn. Its name "arborvitae," meaning "tree of life" in Latin, stems from the perceived medicinal properties of its sap, bark, and twigs. Despite its common names, it is not a true cedar and is unrelated to the Australian white cedar. Unlike its close relative, the western red-cedar, the northern white-cedar is a smaller to medium-sized tree, typically reaching heights of 15 meters with a trunk diameter of 0.9 meters. However, it can occasionally grow up to 38 meters tall and 1.8 meters in diameter. In less favorable conditions, the tree may become stunted or prostrate. Its bark is red-brown, furrowed, and peels in narrow, longitudinal strips.
Common names
White Cedar, Arbor Vitae, American Arbor VitaeMore information about White Cedar
How difficult is it to take care of White Cedar
White Cedar presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of White Cedar
White Cedar’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Georgia, west to Illinois and Minnesota.
What are the water needs for White Cedar
White Cedar should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for White Cedar
White Cedar loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for White Cedar
To ensure optimal growth, the White Cedar prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
How to fertilize White Cedar
The White Cedar is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Is White Cedar toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
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