Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
Family : Cupressaceae
Zone: 2 - 9
Zone: 2 - 9
Member of the cypress family, native to the appalachian regions of the Eastern United States and Canada. Unique scale-like leaves overlap each other forming flattened branches. It's cone-shaped growth can reach a height of 40 - 50 ft at maturity. Preferred habitat is limestone outcrops but also can be found growing in moist, boggy regions as seen in northern Minnesota. A long-lived species with individuals capable of reaching 400 years or older. Produces abundant crop of seeds that develop from oblong cones. Also known as "Arborvitae" derived from the French "l'arbre de vie" or tree of life. It's believed that French explorers of the St. Lawrence River were cured of scurvy by drinking tea made from the Northern White Cedar. The trees were then taken back to France and they are thought to be the first tree introduced into Europe from America.