Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Ryan Hodnett
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Coniferophyta | - Conifers
- Family:
- Cupressaceae
- Genus:
- Thuja
- Species:
- Thuja occidentalis
- USDA Symbol:
- THOC2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Argyresthia aureoargentella, Argyresthia freyella, Bagworm moth (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis), brown hemlock needleminer (Coleotechnites thujaella), Canadian arborvitae leafminer (Argyresthia canadensis), Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Cocoa Emerald (Ematurga amitaria), Dichomeris setosella, early zanclognatha (Zanclognatha cruralis), Eupithecia gibsonata, Eupithecia palpata, False hemlock looper (Nepytia canosaria), fragile anacamptodes moth (Anacamptodes fragilaria), Freyer's Pug (Eupithecia intricata), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), hibiscus Quaker (Orthosia hibisci), Larch Pug (Eupithecia lariciata), 🛑Lemmer's noctuid moth (Lithophane lemmeri), Mournful Thorn (Lambdina fiscellaria), Porcelain Gray (Protoboarmia porcelaria), Promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea), Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua), Semiothisa continuata, Semiothisa orillata, sparganothis fruitworm moth (Sparganothis sulfureana), Thuja Leafminer (Argyresthia thuiella), variegated midget (Elaphria versicolor)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Crambus albellus
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Notes:
- Thuja occidentalis is not fire-adapted; thin bark and shallow roots make it susceptible to fire damage.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers calcareous soils in native habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; sow in moist sand or peat at 1-4°C.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are cold stratified for 30 days
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)