plant · GBIF taxon 2684178
Eastern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalisAlso known as Northern White-Cedar, Arborvitae, Eastern Arborvitae, Swamp Cedar
Eastern white cedars are slow-growing, long-lived conifers characterized by scale-like, fan-shaped foliage that emits a pleasant, sweet aroma when crushed. They thrive in wet, swampy soils as well as limestone cliffs, where stunted individuals can survive for over a thousand years. During winter, their dense evergreen boughs provide critical shelter and browse for white-tailed deer.
EvergreenConiferAromatic
- diet
- Sunlight, water, and soil nutrients
- family
- Cupressaceae
- threats
- Overbrowsing by deer, habitat fragmentation, and climate change
- life Span
- 200 to 800 years
LC
Foliage contains thujone, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.
- Foliage Identification: Look for flat, fan-like sprays of scale-like leaves that release a sweet, apple-like scent when bruised.
- Age Appreciation: Seek out stunted, twisted specimens on rocky cliffs, which are often centuries older than they appear.
- Winter Wildlife Watching: Scan cedar stands during heavy snows to spot deer seeking thermal cover and food.