western arborvitae
Thuja plicata
GCA Plant of the Year 2002
USDA zones5 to 7
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size50 to 70 feet tall15 to 25 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Green
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Western arborvitae (Thuja plicata) is a tree for specimen planting, hedges, privacy screens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. The fragrant evergreen foliage forms flat sprays that bronze to crimson-purple in winter. It responds well to pruning, so you can shape it into a hedge.
Pairs well with Ostrich fern, Oakleaf hydrangea, and Wild ginger.
Native range
Western North America.