Thuja occidentalis
Overview
The Northern White Cedar is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to eastern North America. Known for its dense foliage, aromatic wood, and exceptional longevity, it is a characteristic species of wetlands, limestone outcrops, and cool northern forests. Although commonly called a cedar, it is not a true cedar (Cedrus spp.) and instead belongs to the cypress family.
Its compact form, evergreen foliage, and adaptability have made Northern White Cedar a popular landscape tree for screens, windbreaks, and ornamental plantings. In natural settings, some individuals have survived for centuries, with ancient trees documented on exposed cliffs and rocky habitats.
Identification
Leaves
- Evergreen foliage arranged in flattened sprays
- Scale-like leaves pressed tightly against the stems
- Bright green to yellow-green in summer
- Often bronze-green during winter
- Aromatic when crushed
Bark
- Reddish-brown to gray-brown bark
- Fibrous texture
- Peels in thin vertical strips with age
Cones
- Small oblong cones
- Typically ½ inch long
- Green when young, turning light brown at maturity
- Produced near branch tips
Size
- Typically grows 30 to 50 feet tall
- Can exceed 60 feet in favorable conditions
- Mature spread of 10 to 20 feet
Growth Form
- Dense, pyramidal crown
- Often retains foliage close to the ground
- Develops a narrow to broadly conical shape
Native Range
Northern White Cedar is native to eastern North America and occurs naturally in portions of West Virginia. It is most commonly associated with cool, moist habitats, including swamps, wetlands, stream corridors, and limestone-rich environments.
Throughout its range, the species is particularly abundant around the Great Lakes and across northeastern North America, where it often forms extensive cedar forests.
Ecology and Wildlife Value
Northern White Cedar provides important habitat and shelter throughout the year.
Its dense evergreen foliage offers:
- Winter cover for birds and mammals
- Nesting habitat for songbirds
- Protection from wind and severe weather
- Roosting sites during cold months
The foliage is also an important winter food source for:
- White-tailed deer
- Rabbits
- Other browsing mammals
The tree contributes to habitat diversity in wetlands and forest ecosystems and plays an important role in stabilizing soils in sensitive environments.
Human Uses and Cultural Significance
Northern White Cedar has long been valued for its lightweight, durable, and decay-resistant wood.
Historically, it has been used for:
- Fence posts
- Shingles
- Canoes
- Outdoor structures
- Lumber
- Cedar chests and specialty wood products
Its aromatic foliage and attractive appearance have also made it a popular ornamental tree in landscapes throughout North America.
Because of its durability and resistance to decay, Northern White Cedar remains one of the most useful native conifers in eastern North America.
Northern White Cedar at Marshall University
Northern White Cedar contributes year-round greenery and texture to the Marshall University Arboretum. Its dense foliage and distinctive flattened sprays provide a contrast to the needles of pines, spruces, and firs found elsewhere in the collection.
As a West Virginia native evergreen, Northern White Cedar helps illustrate the diversity of the state’s conifer species while providing wildlife habitat, visual interest, and educational value throughout every season.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Northern White Cedar
Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis
Family: Cupressaceae
Native Region: West Virginia Native
Mature Height: 30-50 feet (occasionally 60+ feet)
Mature Spread: 10-20 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Preferences: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of wet conditions and alkaline soils
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
Bloom Period: Spring
Fruit/Seed: Small woody cones containing winged seeds
Wildlife Value: Provides year-round cover, nesting habitat, and winter browse for wildlife
Notable Characteristics: Flattened sprays of evergreen foliage, aromatic wood, and exceptional longevity