White Cedar Seedling Plugs

(a.k.a. American Arborvitae, Eastern Arborvitae)
(Thuja Occidentalis)

White Cedar is great for windbreaks, privacy screens and hedges, and although it's growth is slow, it can reach heights of 40 feet and live as long as 800 years. White Cedar needles and wood feature a pleasant fragrance.

Although White Cedar does well in upland areas, it also does well in wetter lowland areas such as slightly swampy areas, stream banks and lake shores, where the soil is dark and rich. White Cedar is also quite shade tolerant (especially when young), but does well in full sun. It is relatively resistant to insect pests.

Please note that White Cedar often turn a ruddy brown or even a dark purple color due to exposure to the first cold snaps of the late Fall, and the average person would understandably conclude that they were dead. However, this is a normal seasonal change, and the trees will green up quickly in the warmer weather of Spring.

Cedar timber is used for poles, shakes and shingles due to it's natural resistance to rot.

Estimated height: 6-12 inches [photo is no longer accurate] - height does not include roots [?]
Zones 3-9 (see zone map)

Prefers full sun, but does well in partial shade

Pictures of mature White Cedar / American Arborvitae

These pictures are for general identification and description only. As your trees reach maturity, they may vary slightly in size, color, and general appearance.