Oriental Arborvitae
Platycladus orientalis · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Conifer / Ornamental / Hedge Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type with compact, vertical sprays
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9
About This Tree
An upright, dense evergreen conifer with a typically pyramidal to oval crown at maturity, featuring flattened vertical sprays of bright green foliage and a relatively slow to moderate growth rate
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like leaves arranged in flat, vertical sprays, bright green in spring and summer, sometimes acquiring a brownish bronze tint in harsh winter conditions
Bark Characteristics
Thin, reddish-brown to grayish-brown bark that exfoliates in thin strips or longitudinal furrows as the trunk matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to northeastern China and widely naturalized throughout East Asia
Growing Season
Evergreen with vibrant green foliage year-round; subtle pollen cones appear in early spring and small woody seed cones mature in autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; requires regular watering during establishment, becoming moderately drought-tolerant once mature while preferring well-drained soils
Mature Size
Typically reaches 15 to 30 feet in height with a spread of 10 to 15 feet; slow-growing with a lifespan often exceeding several decades
Special Characteristics
Excellent tolerance for urban pollution, poor soils, and varied wind conditions; frequently used as a dense privacy screen, windbreak, or ornamental accent
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial winter shelter, nesting sites, and cover for small birds and mammals, while seeds are consumed by local bird species