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Eastern Arborvitae

Tagged as: Salt-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs, Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites, Native Trees, large evergreen, Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds

Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
Common Name: Eastern Arborvitae

Updated 1/2013


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EasternArborvitae-form

EasternArborvitae-needles

EasternArborvitae-bark
Form Needles Bark



Height: 40-60' Spread: 15-25' Habit/Form: Narrow, conical becoming pyramidal with age Growth Rate: Slow to medium Zone: 3-7


Cultural Requirements: Prefers full sun to part shade. Requires moist soil and tolerates dry to wet sites, but not drought.


Ornamental Characteristics: A tree with a straight central leader or multi-stemmed trunks. Flat, green foliage is soft and occurs as spreading, horizontal sprays at the ends of short, ascending branches. Foliage smells faintly of a sweet tansy. Cones are ½-inch long, ovoid, and mature from yellow to light brown. When the cones open they look like small flowers.


Uses in the Landscape: Use as a specimen plant, foundation plant, a hedge, or screen.

Birds Attracted: Cardinal, grosbeak, chickadee, robin, and sparrows

Plant Appeal for Birds: Cones; shelter; nesting site

Aerial Salt Tolerance: Moderate degree of salt tolerance; use in low exposed areas

Native to the Midwest.

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