The northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), is a coniferous tree that is native to North America. It is easily recognized by its distinctive, fan-shaped branches and its aromatic, evergreen foliage. The tree can grow up to 66 feet tall and is often found in wetlands, bogs, and other areas with high moisture content.
The northern white cedar is a hardy tree that is well-adapted to cold climates. It is able to withstand harsh winter conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping and as a windbreak. Its wood is also highly valued for its durability and resistance to rot and insect damage.
The leaves of the northern white cedar are scale-like and grow in opposite pairs along the branches. They are a bright green color in the summer, turning brown in the fall before falling off the tree. The tree also produces small, cone-shaped fruit that are a source of food for a variety of wildlife.
In addition to its practical uses, the northern white cedar has played an important role in the mythology and folklore of many Native American cultures. It is often associated with healing and purification, and is used in ceremonies and rituals.
The northern white cedar is also an important tree for the production of lumber and other wood products. Its wood is light and easily worked, making it ideal for construction, furniture, and other decorative items.
The northern white cedar is a versatile and valuable tree that plays an important role in both the natural world and human society. Its beauty, resilience, and practical uses make it a beloved symbol of the power and wonder of nature.
AVAILABLE VARIETIES:
Emerald Variety
The northern white cedar emerald variety (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’), is a cultivar of the native northern white cedar tree. It is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 15-20 feet tall and has a distinctive columnar shape. This makes it an ideal choice for landscaping, as it can be used to create hedges, screens, or other vertical accents.
The emerald variety of the northern white cedar is easily recognized by its bright green, scale-like leaves that are arranged in flattened sprays along the branches. The foliage is dense and compact, giving the tree a full, lush appearance.
One of the most notable features of the emerald variety is its resistance to damage from harsh weather conditions and pests. It is able to withstand cold temperatures, drought, and salt spray, making it a popular choice for coastal areas and other challenging environments.
The emerald variety of the northern white cedar is also valued for its ornamental qualities. Its compact size and columnar shape make it a versatile tree that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications. Its bright green foliage provides a vibrant contrast to other plants and trees, and its narrow profile makes it ideal for tight spaces or narrow borders.
In addition to its practical and ornamental uses, the emerald variety of the northern white cedar is also valued for its durability and resistance to decay. Its wood is hard and lightweight, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, shingles, and other construction materials.
Overall, the emerald variety of the northern white cedar is a valuable and versatile tree that offers a range of benefits for both humans and wildlife. Its beauty, resilience, and practical uses make it a beloved symbol of the power and wonder of nature.
Nigra Variety
The Northern White Cedar nigra variety (Thuja occidentalis nigra), commonly referred to as the Eastern Arborvitae or Black Arborvitae, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to North America.
The Eastern Arborvitae is known for its distinctive deep green foliage, which is soft to the touch and has a scale-like appearance. This foliage is arranged in flattened sprays that grow in a fan-like pattern along the branches of the tree. The leaves emit a pleasant aroma when crushed, which is often described as having a woody or resinous scent.
One of the most striking features of the Eastern Arborvitae is its narrow, conical shape, which can reach heights of up to 40 feet. The tree’s bark is reddish-brown in color and has a fibrous texture that peels away in thin strips. The Eastern Arborvitae is also known for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping in colder regions.
In addition to its ornamental value, the Eastern Arborvitae is also used for its wood, which is lightweight, durable, and has a pleasant fragrance. This wood is commonly used for making outdoor furniture, fence posts, and other outdoor structures.
Overall, the Eastern Arborvitae is a beautiful and hardy tree that is well-suited to the colder regions of North America. Its striking appearance, pleasant aroma, and versatility make it a popular choice for both landscaping and woodworking.
Green Giant Variety
The Northern White Cedar ‘Green Giant’ variety, is a cultivar that has gained popularity in recent years due to its impressive growth rate and hardiness.
The ‘Green Giant’ Cedar is known for its tall, narrow shape and dense foliage. It can grow up to 60 feet in height and 20 feet in width, making it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or windbreaks. The tree’s deep green foliage consists of scale-like leaves that grow in flat sprays along the branches. The foliage emits a pleasant aroma when crushed, which is often described as having a woody or resinous scent.
One of the most remarkable features of the ‘Green Giant’ Cedar is its fast growth rate. This cultivar can grow up to three feet per year, allowing it to reach its impressive height in a relatively short amount of time. Additionally, the ‘Green Giant’ Cedar is incredibly hardy and can withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy snow loads.
The bark of the ‘Green Giant’ Cedar is brownish-red and has a fibrous texture that peels away in thin strips. The wood of this tree is lightweight, durable, and has a pleasant fragrance, making it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture and other outdoor structures.
Overall, the ‘Green Giant’ Cedar is a beautiful and hardy tree that is well-suited for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, and other landscape features. Its impressive growth rate and hardiness make it an excellent choice for those looking to add height and density to their landscape in a relatively short amount of time.