American arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
USDA zones2 to 7
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 45 feet tall1 to 30 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a tree for hedges, privacy screens, specimen planting, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, loamy or clay soil. It grows slowly into a dense, fragrant evergreen. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Birds also visit it.
Pairs well with Red fescue, Abbotswood shrubby cinquefoil, and Pearly everlasting.
Native range
Central & E. Canada to N. Central and Eastern North America.