{"id":586,"date":"2026-10-09T14:37:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T18:37:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/?page_id=586"},"modified":"2026-10-09T14:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T18:37:23","slug":"northern-white-cedar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/trees\/northern-white-cedar\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern White Cedar"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Thuja<\/span> occidentalis<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n

The<\/span> Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> is<\/span> a<\/span> slow-growing<\/span> evergreen<\/span> conifer<\/span> native<\/span> to<\/span> eastern<\/span> North<\/span> America.<\/span> Known<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> dense<\/span> foliage,<\/span> aromatic<\/span> wood,<\/span> and<\/span> exceptional<\/span> longevity,<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> a<\/span> characteristic<\/span> species<\/span> of<\/span> wetlands,<\/span> limestone<\/span> outcrops,<\/span> and<\/span> cool<\/span> northern<\/span> forests.<\/span> Although<\/span> commonly<\/span> called<\/span> a<\/span> cedar,<\/span> it<\/span> is<\/span> not<\/span> a<\/span> true<\/span> cedar<\/span> (<\/span>Cedrus<\/span><\/em> spp.)<\/span> and<\/span> instead<\/span> belongs<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> cypress<\/span> family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Its compact form, evergreen foliage, and adaptability have<\/span> made<\/span> Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> a<\/span> popular<\/span> landscape<\/span> tree<\/span> for<\/span> screens,<\/span> windbreaks,<\/span> and<\/span> ornamental<\/span> plantings.<\/span> In<\/span> natural<\/span> settings,<\/span> some<\/span> individuals<\/span> have<\/span> survived<\/span> for<\/span> centuries,<\/span> with<\/span> ancient<\/span> trees<\/span> documented<\/span> on<\/span> exposed<\/span> cliffs<\/span> and<\/span> rocky<\/span> habitats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Identification<\/span><\/h2>\n

Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Evergreen<\/span> foliage<\/span> arranged<\/span> in<\/span> flattened<\/span> sprays<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Scale-like<\/span> leaves<\/span> pressed<\/span> tightly<\/span> against<\/span> the<\/span> stems<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Bright<\/span> green<\/span> to<\/span> yellow-green<\/span> in<\/span> summer<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Often<\/span> bronze-green<\/span> during<\/span> winter<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Aromatic<\/span> when<\/span> crushed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bark<\/span><\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Reddish-brown<\/span> to<\/span> gray-brown<\/span> bark<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Fibrous<\/span> texture<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Peels<\/span> in<\/span> thin<\/span> vertical<\/span> strips<\/span> with<\/span> age<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Cones<\/span><\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Small<\/span> oblong<\/span> cones<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Typically<\/span> \u00bd<\/span> inch<\/span> long<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Green<\/span> when<\/span> young,<\/span> turning<\/span> light<\/span> brown<\/span> at<\/span> maturity<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Produced<\/span> near<\/span> branch<\/span> tips<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
          \n
        • Typically<\/span> grows<\/span> 30<\/span> to<\/span> 50<\/span> feet<\/span> tall<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Can<\/span> exceed<\/span> 60<\/span> feet<\/span> in<\/span> favorable<\/span> conditions<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Mature<\/span> spread<\/span> of<\/span> 10<\/span> to<\/span> 20<\/span> feet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Growth<\/span> Form<\/span><\/h3>\n
            \n
          • Dense,<\/span> pyramidal<\/span> crown<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Often<\/span> retains<\/span> foliage<\/span> close<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> ground<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Develops<\/span> a<\/span> narrow<\/span> to<\/span> broadly<\/span> conical<\/span> shape<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Native<\/span> Range<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> is<\/span> native<\/span> to<\/span> eastern<\/span> North<\/span> America<\/span> and<\/span> occurs<\/span> naturally<\/span> in<\/span> portions<\/span> of<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia.<\/span> It<\/span> is<\/span> most<\/span> commonly<\/span> associated<\/span> with<\/span> cool,<\/span> moist<\/span> habitats,<\/span> including<\/span> swamps,<\/span> wetlands,<\/span> stream<\/span> corridors,<\/span> and<\/span> limestone-rich<\/span> environments.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Throughout<\/span> its<\/span> range,<\/span> the<\/span> species<\/span> is<\/span> particularly<\/span> abundant<\/span> around<\/span> the<\/span> Great<\/span> Lakes<\/span> and<\/span> across<\/span> northeastern<\/span> North<\/span> America,<\/span> where<\/span> it<\/span> often<\/span> forms<\/span> extensive<\/span> cedar<\/span> forests.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Ecology<\/span> and<\/span> Wildlife<\/span> Value<\/span><\/h2>\n

            Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> provides<\/span> important<\/span> habitat<\/span> and<\/span> shelter<\/span> throughout<\/span> the<\/span> year.<\/span><\/p>\n

            Its<\/span> dense<\/span> evergreen<\/span> foliage<\/span> offers:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Winter<\/span> cover<\/span> for<\/span> birds<\/span> and<\/span> mammals<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Nesting<\/span> habitat<\/span> for<\/span> songbirds<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Protection<\/span> from<\/span> wind<\/span> and<\/span> severe<\/span> weather<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Roosting<\/span> sites<\/span> during<\/span> cold<\/span> months<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              The<\/span> foliage<\/span> is<\/span> also<\/span> an<\/span> important<\/span> winter<\/span> food<\/span> source<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • White-tailed<\/span> deer<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Rabbits<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Other<\/span> browsing<\/span> mammals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                The<\/span> tree<\/span> contributes<\/span> to<\/span> habitat<\/span> diversity<\/span> in<\/span> wetlands<\/span> and<\/span> forest<\/span> ecosystems<\/span> and<\/span> plays<\/span> an<\/span> important<\/span> role<\/span> in<\/span> stabilizing<\/span> soils<\/span> in<\/span> sensitive<\/span> environments.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Human<\/span> Uses<\/span> and<\/span> Cultural<\/span> Significance<\/span><\/h2>\n

                Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> has<\/span> long<\/span> been<\/span> valued<\/span> for<\/span> its<\/span> lightweight,<\/span> durable,<\/span> and<\/span> decay-resistant<\/span> wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

                Historically,<\/span> it<\/span> has<\/span> been<\/span> used<\/span> for:<\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Fence<\/span> posts<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Shingles<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Canoes<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Outdoor<\/span> structures<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Lumber<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Cedar<\/span> chests<\/span> and<\/span> specialty<\/span> wood<\/span> products<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Its<\/span> aromatic<\/span> foliage<\/span> and<\/span> attractive<\/span> appearance<\/span> have<\/span> also<\/span> made<\/span> it<\/span> a<\/span> popular<\/span> ornamental<\/span> tree<\/span> in<\/span> landscapes<\/span> throughout<\/span> North<\/span> America.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  Because<\/span> of<\/span> its<\/span> durability<\/span> and<\/span> resistance<\/span> to<\/span> decay,<\/span> Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> remains<\/span> one<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> most<\/span> useful<\/span> native<\/span> conifers<\/span> in<\/span> eastern<\/span> North<\/span> America.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> at<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span><\/h2>\n

                  Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> contributes<\/span> year-round<\/span> greenery<\/span> and<\/span> texture<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> Marshall<\/span> University<\/span> Arboretum.<\/span> Its<\/span> dense<\/span> foliage<\/span> and<\/span> distinctive<\/span> flattened<\/span> sprays<\/span> provide<\/span> a<\/span> contrast<\/span> to<\/span> the<\/span> needles<\/span> of<\/span> pines,<\/span> spruces,<\/span> and<\/span> firs<\/span> found<\/span> elsewhere<\/span> in<\/span> the<\/span> collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  As<\/span> a<\/span> West<\/span> Virginia<\/span> native<\/span> evergreen,<\/span> Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span> helps<\/span> illustrate<\/span> the<\/span> diversity<\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span> state’s<\/span> conifer<\/span> species<\/span> while<\/span> providing<\/span> wildlife<\/span> habitat,<\/span> visual<\/span> interest,<\/span> and<\/span> educational<\/span> value<\/span> throughout<\/span> every<\/span> season.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  Quick<\/span> Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n

                  Common<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Northern<\/span> White<\/span> Cedar<\/span>
                  \nScientific<\/span> Name:<\/span><\/strong> Thuja<\/span> occidentalis<\/span><\/em>
                  \nFamily:<\/span><\/strong> Cupressaceae<\/span>
                  \nNative<\/span> Region:<\/span><\/strong> West<\/span> Virginia<\/span> Native<\/span>
                  \nMature<\/span> Height:<\/span><\/strong> 30-50<\/span> feet<\/span> (occasionally<\/span> 60+<\/span> feet)<\/span>
                  \nMature<\/span> Spread:<\/span><\/strong> 10-20<\/span> feet<\/span>
                  \nGrowth<\/span> Rate:<\/span><\/strong> Slow<\/span> to<\/span> Moderate<\/span>
                  \nSun<\/span> Requirements:<\/span><\/strong> Full<\/span> Sun<\/span> to<\/span> Partial<\/span> Shade<\/span>
                  \nSoil<\/span> Preferences:<\/span><\/strong> Moist,<\/span> well-drained<\/span> soils;<\/span> tolerant<\/span> of<\/span> wet<\/span> conditions<\/span> and<\/span> alkaline<\/span> soils<\/span>
                  \nUSDA<\/span> Hardiness<\/span> Zones:<\/span><\/strong> 2-7<\/span>
                  \nBloom<\/span> Period:<\/span><\/strong> Spring<\/span>
                  \nFruit\/Seed:<\/span><\/strong> Small<\/span> woody<\/span> cones<\/span> containing<\/span> winged<\/span> seeds<\/span>
                  \nWildlife<\/span> Value:<\/span><\/strong> Provides<\/span> year-round<\/span> cover,<\/span> nesting<\/span> habitat,<\/span> and<\/span> winter<\/span> browse<\/span> for<\/span> wildlife<\/span>
                  \nNotable<\/span> Characteristics:<\/span><\/strong> Flattened<\/span> sprays<\/span> of<\/span> evergreen<\/span> foliage,<\/span> aromatic<\/span> wood,<\/span> and<\/span> exceptional<\/span> longevity<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":6,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-narrow.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-586","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=586"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":587,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/586\/revisions\/587"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marshall.edu\/arboretum\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}