Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis
Cupressaceae
Thuja occidentalis cones CEH
Thuja occidentalis form JB
Thuja occidentalis bark JB
Thuja occidentalis fruit JB
Thuja occidentalis leaves JB
Naturally found on calcareous sites in Ohio, but grows on a range of soil and moisture conditions. Useful as a windbreak and often planted as a living fence. Frequently damaged by deer browse. In cultivation, many varieties in tree or shrub form.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
NA
Wildlife Benefits
Seeds food source for birds; provides winter cover
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
2 to 7
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
Unknown
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Full Sun to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 6 or more hours of direct sunlight
Maximum Height
Small (15-40 ft)
Growth Rate
Slow: 1 ft or less per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Silt: Medium sized particles. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist - Dry: Soil can be damp for periods of time and can retain little to no water for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Low; Leaf miner, spider mites
Urban Stress Tolerance
Medium: Tree can adapt to a few urban conditions and will generally grow well
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
9
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Absent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Absent
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Brown
Green
Yellow
Form
Tree
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACW: Facultative Wetland, usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Lorain
Medina
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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