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Description
Thuja Plicata 4Ever, also known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular evergreen tree that is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is widely grown for its ornamental value, hardiness, and versatility in landscaping. The tree has a conical shape and can grow up to 60-70 feet tall with a spread of 15-25 feet. It has a unique reddish-brown bark that peels off in long strips, and its leaves are scale-like and arranged in flattened sprays.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Pinophyta || Class| Pinopsida || Order| Pinales|| Family| Cupressaceae || Genus| Thuja|| Species| Thuja Plicata |
Appearance
Thuja Plicata 4Ever has a distinct conical shape with a narrow crown. It can grow up to 60-70 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide, making it an ideal choice for landscaping and privacy screens. The tree has a reddish-brown bark that peels off in long strips, giving it a unique appearance. Its leaves are scale-like and arranged in flattened sprays, and they have a dark green color. The cones are small and brown, measuring about 0.5 inches in length.
Care Guide
Thuja Plicata 4Ever is a hardy evergreen tree that requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips on how to care for it:- Water: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter months.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Thuja Plicata 4Ever is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thuja Plicata 4Ever is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:- Cedar apple rust- Bagworms- Spider mites- Canker diseases- Root rot
Habitat
Thuja Plicata 4Ever is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, where it grows in moist, well-drained soils along the coast and in the mountains. It is commonly found in forests, along streams, and in wetlands. The tree is also widely grown in landscaping and as a windbreak.
Question and Answer
Q: How fast does Thuja Plicata 4Ever grow?A: The tree can grow up to 2-3 feet per year under optimal growing conditions.Q: Can Thuja Plicata 4Ever tolerate drought?A: The tree can tolerate some drought but prefers moist, well-drained soil.Q: When is the best time to prune Thuja Plicata 4Ever?A: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.Q: What is the lifespan of Thuja Plicata 4Ever?A: The tree can live up to 1,000 years in its natural habitat.
Related Plants
– Thuja occidentalis (American arborvitae)- Thuja orientalis (Oriental arborvitae)- Thuja standishii (Japanese arborvitae)- Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cypress)- Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper)
References
– “Thuja plicata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b780.- “Thuja plicata 4Ever.” Monrovia. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/3781/4ever-western-red-cedar/.- “Western Red Cedar.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed August 24, 2021. https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=931.
