Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Toxic to mammals if ingested.
Image of Thuja occidentalis
Source: Andre Karwath
image of Conifer Tree
Thuja occidentalis
Eastern White Cedar
Thuya occidental

Synonyms

arborvitae
eastern arborvitae
northern white cedar
northern white-cedar
swamp cedar
balai
cèdre
cèdre blanc
thuier cèdre
No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom Colour: Green Bloom Period: Apr - May
Max Height: 50.0 feet
Max Width: 15.0 feet
Light Condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant germinate easy Easy to germinate
Landscape Uses:
rock garden Suitable for rock gardens
shoreline_rehab Suitable for shoreline rehabilitation
hedge Can be used as a hedge
Ecological Benefits: No ecological benefits information available.
Tolerates:
Foot Traffic Tolerant Tolerates foot traffic around the plant
Limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Transplantation Tolerant Tolerates transplantation
Special Features and Considerations:

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Thuja occidentalis
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Boreal Plains
  • Hudson Plains
  • Boreal Shield
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Thuja occidentalis

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Thuja occidentalis

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

  • No complementary plants found.

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Thuja occidentalis (Eastern White-cedar)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days
  • Notes: Soak for 24h.

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: August
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Pods are brown and crisp and starting to open
    • Seeds are dark and tiny stem attaching to the main stem is brown
    • Seeds easily fall off pod when shaken
    • Little stem connecting the pod to the main stem is brown (not green)
  • Harvesting:
    • Cut stem (including pods), let air dry in paper bag, then shake seeds off after a few days
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: Six (6) seeds (eyeball)
  • Seed storage:
    • Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp
    • Shake seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • Cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Toxic to mammals if ingested.