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Description
Thuja Occidentalis, also known as Eastern Arborvitae or White Cedar, is an evergreen coniferous tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 20 meters tall with a spread of 5 to 10 meters. Thuja Occidentalis has a conical shape with branches that are flat and fan-like. It is a popular ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and tolerance to cold weather.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Thuja |
Appearance
Thuja Occidentalis has dense foliage that is made up of scale-like leaves that are green to yellow-green in color. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and have a pleasant fragrance when crushed. The tree also has small, round cones that are brown and woody. The bark of Thuja Occidentalis is reddish-brown and peels off in narrow strips.
Care Guide
Thuja Occidentalis is a low maintenance tree that can grow in a variety of soil types. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is also hardy in zones 2 to 7, making it a good choice for colder climates. To care for Thuja Occidentalis, it is important to:
- Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
- Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Plant in well-draining soil.
- Provide full sun to partial shade.
- Protect from strong winds and heavy snow.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thuja Occidentalis is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including:
- Bagworms
- Cedar-apple rust
- Cedar leaf miner
- Phytophthora root rot
To prevent and treat these issues, it is important to maintain good tree health and to prune out any infected or damaged branches.
Habitat
Thuja Occidentalis is native to North America, growing in moist forests and along riverbanks. It is commonly found in the Great Lakes region and in the northeastern United States. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks throughout North America and Europe.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Thuja Occidentalis grow?
A: Thuja Occidentalis grows at a moderate rate of around 12 to 24 inches per year.
Q: Can Thuja Occidentalis grow in shade?
A: Thuja Occidentalis can grow in partial shade, but it prefers full sun to reach its full potential.
Q: When is the best time to plant Thuja Occidentalis?
A: The best time to plant Thuja Occidentalis is in the spring or fall when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
Q: How often should I water Thuja Occidentalis?
A: Thuja Occidentalis should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Aim to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Related Plants
- Thuja Plicata (Western Red Cedar)
- Thuja Koraiensis (Korean Arborvitae)
- Thuja Orientalis (Oriental Arborvitae)
References
- “Thuja occidentalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b520.
- “Eastern White Cedar.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=884.
- “Thuja occidentalis.” The Spruce. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/eastern-arborvitae-thuja-occidentalis-profile-3269336.
