American Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood, Native
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Evergreen, Coniferous, Privacy Screen, Hedge Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Common species or similar dense cultivar like 'Emerald Green' or 'Nigra'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7, highly adaptable to cold northern climates and various soil conditions
About This Tree
Dense, pyramidal to upright columnar evergreen conifer with rich green scale-like foliage arranged in flattened sprays, highly valued for hedges and privacy screens
Leaf Characteristics
Small, scale-like, overlapping leaves pressed flat against the branchlets, arranged in opposing pairs on flat, fan-like sprays, maintaining bright green to dark green color year-round
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown to grayish-brown bark that peels or shreds in narrow, vertical strips as the tree matures, with a relatively thin and fibrous texture
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern North America and Canada, well-adapted across temperate North America
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen foliage with active vertical and lateral growth peaking in late spring and summer, remaining dormant through winter months
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires moderate, consistent moisture especially when young, developing moderate drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Expected mature height of 20-30 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet, moderate growth rate, and a typical lifespan of several decades
Special Characteristics
Excellent cold hardiness, wind tolerance, and high suitability for sheared hedges or privacy screens; pest and disease resistant with aromatic foliage
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial winter thermal cover, nesting sites, and protection for various songbirds and small mammals, while deer frequently browse the foliage in winter