Oriental arborvitae is similar in appearance to other species of arborvitae. Nurseries usually sell the cultivars of this plant rather than the actual species and those cultivars can vary greatly in appearance. Winter protection may be needed for this plant. Because it is typically short in stature, oriental arborvitae may be planted under utility lines. Also known as Thuja orientalis.
Botanical name:
All common names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks,
- Under utility lines
Tree or Plant Type:
- Tree
Foliage:
- Evergreen (foliage year-round)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Foundation,
- Hedge,
- Mixed border,
- Patio/sidewalk,
- Screen,
- Specimen,
- Utility
Size Range:
- Small tree (15-25 feet),
- Compact tree (10-15 feet),
- Large shrub (more than 8 feet),
- Medium shrub (5-8 feet),
- Small shrub (3-5 feet)
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8,
- Zone 9,
- Zone 10,
- Zone 11
Soil Preference:
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Dry sites,
- Alkaline soil
Acid Soils:
- Tolerant
Alkaline Soils:
- Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Moderately Tolerant
Soil Salt:
- Intolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Tolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Intolerant
Seasons of Interest:
- early winter,
- midwinter,
- late winter,
- early spring,
- mid spring,
- late spring,
- early summer,
- midsummer,
- late summer,
- early fall,
- mid fall,
- late fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Inconspicuous
Shape or Form:
- Pyramidal,
- Round,
- Upright
Growth Rate:
- Slow
Transplants Well:
- Yes
Wildlife:
- Browsers,
- Nesting birds,
- Small mammals
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
Foliage tends to discolor in winter.
Prefers consistent moisture but not wet soil.
Keep mulched to moderate soil temperature swings.
Best growth occurs in full sun to part shade.
Disease, pests, and problems
Can be affected by bagworm, leaf miner, and spider mites.
Susceptible to strong wind, snow, and ice damage.
Disease, pest, and problem resistance
Tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
Less susceptible to deer browsing.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to Asia.
Bark color and texture
Grayish-brown to reddish-brown, with stringy fibers and a network of ridges and shallow furrows.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Needles are soft and green, with spreading flat sprays of overlapping scales at the ends of short, ascending branches.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Inconspicuous, separate male and female flowers.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Tiny oval seed cones mature from yellow to light brown. When cones open they look like little roses.