How to identify Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

How to identify Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Arborvitae, also known as Tree of life, White-cedar

Arborvitae is characterized by its dense, scale-like, green foliage that may turn brownish-green in cold climates. This conical-shaped evergreen typically reaches heights of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) but can soar up to 50 feet (15 meters) under optimal conditions. Branches grow in a horizontal pattern, giving it a layered appearance. The bark is reddish-brown with a fibrous texture. Small, oblong cones, about 0.4 to 0.5 inches (1 to 1.3 centimeters) long, appear along the branches, providing a subtle ornamental quality.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Arborvitae

Horizontal, layered branches distinguish arborvitae, reaching 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters), potentially towering to 50 feet (15 meters).

0.4-0.5 inch (1-1.3 cm) oblong cones adorn arborvitae's branches, providing subtle ornamental quality.

Yellow-green to grayish-green scale-like leaves with pustular glands and bronze winter hue on arborvitae.

Durable, resilient stems of 0.1-0.2 inches (3-5 mm) in diameter create a bushy appearance.

Prominent trunk with textured, peeling bark in grayish to reddish-brown hues define mature arborvitae.

Detailed Traits of Arborvitae

Leaf Features

The leaves of arborvitae are scale-like in adults, ovate, and bluntly acute at the tips. They are yellowish-green on the upper surface and grayish-green below, with a distinctive pustular gland near the apex. The leaves measure about 0.08-0.12 inches (2-3 mm) in length. Each leaf pair overlaps the adjacent pair, forming a flattened, appressed pattern on the branchlets. During winter, the leaves can take on a bronze hue, providing seasonal variation in color.

Leaf Shape

Scalelike

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Attenuate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,

Acute

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

Arborvitae, a coniferous plant, does not produce flowers as it reproduces through cones instead. Its reproductive structures are small, inconspicuous, and cone-like. The male cones are small and yellow, typically less than an inch (2.5 cm) in size, while the female cones are slightly larger, green initially, and mature to brown. These structures contain the reproductive organs that ensure the propagation of arborvitae.

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Stem Features

The stems of arborvitae are thin, ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 inches (3 to 5 mm) in diameter, and exhibit a green to brown coloration. These stems are characterized by their resistance to breakage and possess a smooth texture. They exhibit a fine, dense branching pattern, which creates a bushy appearance. The stems are slightly flexible but tough, contributing to the plant's overall durability and resilience in various environments.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of arborvitae is an oblong cone with notable dimensions of 1/3 to 1/2 inches long (8 to 12 mm). When immature, the cones exhibit a vibrant yellow coloration, maturing into a light brown hue. The textured surface of the fruit, along with its distinctive size and color transition from young to mature stages, are key identification features. This combination of characteristics delivers a unique visual signature for the fruit, making it recognizable among plant enthusiasts.

Fruit Type

Cone

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Arborvitae and Their Similar Plants

Western red cedar vs. Arborvitae: What's The Difference?

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is a cedar tree species native to the western United States. Despite its name, the western red cedar is not considered a true cedar. Instead, it belongs to the Cypress family. This species is commercially used to make decks, siding, and the soundboards of guitars.

Arborvitae 'Rheingold' vs. Arborvitae: What's The Difference?

Arborvitae 'Rheingold' is a slow-growing, dwarf, cone-shaped shrub that offers beautiful bright golden, fan-shaped clusters of foliage that turn bronze-yellow in winter. It is a cultivar of the Arborvitae tree and is named for its golden colors. It is favored for its durability and small height - at maturity, it is only 1.5 m tall.

Arborvitaes 'Green Giant' vs. Arborvitae: What's The Difference?

Arborvitaes 'Green Giant' truly lives up to its name, growing 91 to 122 cm each year until maturity (reaching anywhere from 12 to 18 m) total. This tall, evergreen, coniferous tree grows in a pyramidal shape and is the hybrid of the western red cedar and Japanese cedar.

Arborvitae 'Holmstrup' vs. Arborvitae: What's The Difference?

Arborvitae 'Holmstrup' grows in a dense, columnar shape with sprays of rich green foliage that retains their color through the winter. It is a cultivar of the Arborvitae tree and is named for the city of Holmstrup, in Denmark, where it was bred. Gardeners favor it is low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and responds well to shearing and shaping.

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Key Facts About Arborvitae

Attributes of Arborvitae

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 38 m

Spread

3 m to 4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Flower Size

1.3 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Arborvitae

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

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Distribution Map of Arborvitae

Arborvitae is native to eastern Canada and the northeastern and north-central parts of the United States. It grows in areas of coniferous forest and wet swamps where the summers are cooler. It has been introduced into parts of Scandinavia, some European countries, and Korea. In its native and adopted areas, it is cultivated ornamentally.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Arborvitae

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