Northern White Cedar or Arbor Vitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Form

Compact pyramidal; height 50 to 60 feet and 2 to 3 feet in diameter; trunk often buttressed, strongly tapered and frequently divided into 2 or more direct stems; branches short and nearly horizontal; sometimes forms almost impenetrable thickets, as dead branches are very stiff and persistent; in the open, develops a conical, symmetrical crown.

Bark

Thin, gray to reddish brown, separating in long, vertical, narrow shreddy strips.

Leaf

Scale-like; length 1/8 or 1/4 inches, arranged to make the small branches flat; pleasant, aromatic scent when crushed; pungent to the taste.

Fruit

Small, oblong cone that matures in one season; yellowish-brown; 1/3 to 1/2 inches in size, with 6 to 12 scales; borne singly or in large clusters on ends of branches. Seeds 1/8 inch long, with 2 narrow wings almost circling the seed.

Range

Found throughout the state, except the southwest portion; grows usually in moist places where it is often found in dense pure stands; however, farther north it appears on well-drained slopes, usually in mixtures with hardwoods.

Wood

Light, soft, brittle, coarse grained, durable, fragrant and pale brown in color; especially important for making fence posts, building poles, rot-resistant lumber and shingles.

Notes

It is one of the preferred and important species for deer browse in the winter. There are numerous ornamental varieties.