Fauna
Plant

Northern Whitecedar

Thuja occidentalis

Also known as Eastern White-Cedar, Arborvitae, Tree of Life, Swamp Cedar

Northern whitecedar dominates cold, nutrient-rich swamps and sheer limestone cliffs across eastern North America, where ancient dwarf trees can survive for well over a thousand years. Its distinctive flattened, fan-like foliage sprays emit a fresh, pleasant aroma when bruised and host small, bell-shaped seed cones. The rich foliage serves as vital winter shelter and crucial starvation food for white-tailed deer during harsh northern blizzards.

EvergreenConiferNative
Northern Whitecedar reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Porcupine
  • Snowshoe Hare
ThreatsOverbrowsing by deer, habitat alteration, altered hydrology, wildfire
HabitatsAlkaline swamps, rich moist woods, limestone cliffs, lake shores
Life span200–800+ years
Classification
  1. OrderPinales
  2. FamilyCupressaceae
  3. GenusThuja
  4. SpeciesThuja occidentalis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for scale-like, flattened branchlets with a aromatic cedar scent when gently crushed.
  • Habitat Clues: Search along damp alkaline swamps, lake margins, or steep limestone escarpments.
  • Winter Viewing: Inspect winter stands to spot deer yarding areas protected beneath the dense canopy.
Related species
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