Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Tree

Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis

Eastern Arborvitae leaves (needles)
Eastern Arborvitae leaves (needles)
 
Features
Evergreen needles. 
 
Culture
Full sun; moist, well drained soil, but can tolerate wet soils; tolerant of alkaline soils. 
 
Cultivars

Many, including

  • 'Emerald'- narrow habit and grows 10-15 feet tall, very cold hardy and maintains good color in winter.
  • 'Nigra'-20-30 feet tall, maintains good color in winter, very cold hardy.
  • 'Techny'- 10-15 feet tall, very cold hardy, maintains good color in winter.
  • 'Wintergreen'-20-30 feet tall and nearly columnar, good winter color.
 
 
Mature Height
20-40 Feet (Small cultivars exist)
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Form
Broadly pyramidal 
 
Native To:
United States 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7 
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Massing
Screen
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease

Insect Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Leaf miner, mealybug, scale insect, twig blight, and cankers.   Prone to damage from wind, snow and ice.   Heavily browsed by deer.
 
Additional Notes

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic