L. Thuja occidentalis, also known as northern white cedar, eastern white cedar, or arborvitae, is an evergreen coniferous tree, in the cypress family Cupressaceae, which is native to eastern Canada and much of the north-central and northeastern United States . It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Where does white cedar come from?
Distribution of Northern White Cedar
Northern White Cedar trees are found in eastern North America . Their primary range is in the southern part of the eastern half of Canada, plus the adjacent northern areas in the US, including New England, the Great Lakes states, and New York State.
Where is white cedar found?
Northern white-cedar, the lightest of any commercial wood in the United States, grows primarily in the Lake States and Maine . It grows in both pure and mixed stands, mostly in swamps but also on uplands.
Is white cedar An Australian native?
White Cedar is native to Australia and South East Asia . ... White Cedar belongs to the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is a deciduous shade tree with a rounded crown. The tree can reach 12 metres high at maturity (sometimes up to 30 metres in favourable natural environments) and a width of 6–8 metres.
Where is the northern white cedar native?
Native Range
The main range of northern white-cedar extends through the southern part of the eastern half of Canada and the adjacent northern part of the United States .
Is white cedar poisonous?
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are poisonous , although it is the fruits that are usually eaten. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, confusion, coma, seizures, and death.
How can you tell red cedar from white cedar?
White Cedar vs Red Cedar: It's What's Inside That Counts
Cut into these two trees, and the color of the wood differs greatly. Western Red Cedar gets its name from its red color, while Northern White Cedar is lighter and has a yellow hue. Make a crosscut into the trunk, and you'll see that both trees have two rings.
Is red cedar better than white cedar?
The main differences between white cedar and red cedar are in terms of durability and strength. Red cedar is slightly stronger than white cedar fence . ... In most cases, white cedar fences can last for a good 10 years or more. The natural oils of white cedar fences are stronger than red cedar fences' oil.
Does white cedar smell?
Odor: Northern White Cedar has a distinct (though moderate) cedar-like smell when being worked .
Does white cedar rot?
Resistance to decay: Although not to the extent of western red cedar, eastern white cedar is decay-resistant and naturally repels insects . ... Lightweight: Eastern white cedar is one of the lightest and softest commercially-available woods in the U.S.
Is white cedar poisonous to dogs?
White cedar contains limonids classified as meliatoxins. They're most concentrated in the berries, but dogs can also ingest them by chewing the bark, leaves or flowers. The tree also contains a toxic alkaloid , three toxic resins and two toxic acids.
Can you prune a white cedar?
It really is a lovely tree to sit under, with all the leaflets dancing independently in a breeze. ... A little formative pruning as the tree grows will encourage it to develop its naturally rounded canopy, but other than that, it's a pretty easy tree to maintain. It's also responsive to pollarding.
How long does a white cedar live?
The White Cedar can live up to 800 years old and contains a great deal of Vitamin C in it's foliage. Wildlife: Often browsed by deer.
Can you eat northern white cedar?
According to the online publication American Forests ( Winter/Spring 2017), two species of cedars have an edible and nutritious inner bark .
How far apart should white cedar be planted?
Placement and Spacing
Allow a minimum of 10 to 12 feet between trees when planting as specimens. When planting en masse for thick screening hedging, space the cedars every 8 to 10 feet on center.
How tall is a white cedar?
Northern white-cedar is a medium- sized tree, commonly 40 to 50 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet in diameter. A few trees grow as large as 80 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. The root system is relatively shallow, and tall trees that are exposed to the wind are subject to uprooting.
