Plant · GBIF taxon 2684178
northern whitecedar
Thuja occidentalisAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPinales
- FamilyCupressaceae
- GenusThuja
- SpeciesThuja occidentalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
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