Tree 23

Thuja americana

This native evergreen, a member of Cupressaceae (cypress family), is a hard-working, versatile specimen. The narrow, pyramid shape makes it a natural choice for windbreaks. It requires almost no care when used as a hedge or screen. 

Bill Flemer says, “Thuja americana is the native white cedar that grows in New England and eastern Canada, where it develops a tall, straight trunk, and is the source of cedar lumber. Lightweight, flexible, and rot-resistant, it’s what traditional wood and canvas canoes are made of.”

The American arborvitae can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 3–7. This is an evergreen tree, keeping its foliage year-round. The American arborvitae grows to a height of 40–60′ and a spread of 10–15′ at maturity, so allow plenty of space if you plant one!