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Northern white cedar is Thuja occidentalis, an evergreen native to parts of southern Canada and the northern United States. Its decay-resistant wood is used for posts, shingles, and other products exposed to soil or water; the living tree is also planted for hedges and screens. Despite its common name, it is not a true cedar in the genus Cedrus.
What is northern white cedar?
Northern white cedar, also called eastern white cedar, arborvitae, or swamp cedar, is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae. Its scientific name is Thuja occidentalis L. The common name “cedar” can be confusing: this species is not a true cedar in the genus Cedrus. When identifying or buying a plant, check the botanical name rather than relying on “arborvitae” alone, which may be used for different plants.
The USDA Forest Service describes it as a long-lived, medium-sized, shade-tolerant evergreen. Exceptional specimens can live more than 400 years, according to the Forest Service’s 2026 species account; that figure describes extreme longevity, not the expected lifespan of a landscape planting. USDA Forest Service, Northern White-Cedar | Silvics of North America (published June 30, 2026).
Where does northern white cedar grow?
Its native range runs from Nova Scotia and Maine west to Manitoba and Minnesota. The southern edge crosses central New York and central Michigan, with isolated Appalachian populations reaching North Carolina. It grows in both pure and mixed stands. Wet places such as swamps and seeps are common habitats, but the species also occurs on cliffs and abandoned pastureland, so “swamp cedar” is not a complete description of where it grows.
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- FRESH SEEDS: American Arborvitae Tree Seeds boast an impressive germination rate, setting you up for gardening triumph from the get-go.
- GREAT GIFT: Comes in a nice seed packet with a color photo and directions for growing.
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- EASY TO GROW: Growing Instructions Included. Enjoy this tree and enjoy this day!
Northern white cedar tolerates shade and a range of soil moisture, but prolonged inundation is unsuitable. Seedlings establish on moisture-holding surfaces such as mineral soil and decayed wood; in swamp settings, elevated spots can offer better establishment conditions. The Forest Service reports suitability guidance spanning USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 2 through 7, but a zone range is not a guarantee that every cultivar will thrive at a particular site. USDA Forest Service species account.
How to identify northern white cedar
- Foliage: Look for small, scale-like leaves arranged in flattened, fan-shaped sprays. The USDA NRCS guide describes the foliage as dull yellowish-green on both surfaces.
- Bark: The thin brown bark separates into vertical strips as the tree matures.
- Overall form: It is an evergreen tree, though ornamental cultivars can vary in shape, size, and foliage color.
Northern white cedar is not western red cedar, Thuja plicata. The two are different species; geography, foliage, and seed-cone scale details help distinguish them. A common name or the word “cedar” on a label is not enough to establish which species a plant or piece of wood is. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Northern White Cedar: Thuja occidentalis L..
What is northern white cedar wood used for?
The wood is light and resistant to decay, qualities that suit products exposed to damp conditions or contact with soil. The USDA NRCS lists rustic fencing and posts among principal commercial uses, as well as cabin logs, lumber, poles, and shingles. Smaller documented uses include paneling, boats, tubs, and woodenware. These are species-level uses, not a guarantee of the grade, dimensions, availability, or performance of any particular retail product.
For a construction or repair project, confirm the species and product specifications with the supplier, then match the material to the project’s exposure, structural requirements, and applicable local building rules. The species’ general decay resistance does not by itself establish that a given board or post is suitable for every application. USDA NRCS plant guide; USDA Forest Service, Thuja occidentalis L. — Northern White-Cedar.
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- BEST QUALITY - This package contains 50 of American Arborvitae seeds.
- HARDINESS ZONES - American Arborvitae trees are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7.
- CHARACTERISTICS - Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as American arborvitae or White Cedar, is a dense, conical to narrow-pyramidal (sometimes maturing to broad-pyramidal), often single-trunked, evergreen tree. It is often used for hedges, screens, and foundation plants.
- GROWTH RATE - This is a slow growing tree that reaches 25 to 40 feet in height and spreads to about 10 to 12 feet wide.
- FEEDBACK - If you do not satisfy with the purchase, please do not leave negative/neutral feedback. Contact us for solution. We will try our best to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Can northern white cedar be used for a hedge or privacy screen?
Yes. The species is widely planted ornamentally for hedges, privacy screens, windbreaks, and shelter plantings. The USDA NRCS guide documents more than 120 named cultivars, with variation in form, foliage color, cold hardiness, and heat tolerance. That variation matters: select a cultivar for the intended mature shape and size, local climate, soil moisture, exposure, and available space rather than assuming every arborvitae will perform alike.
Northern white cedar is generally slow-growing, although the Forest Service account notes faster growth in full light on uplands under some conditions. Avoid relying on a single growth-rate or height promise without cultivar-specific information. Check local extension or nursery guidance for site fit and care. Deer also browse cedar: planted young trees may need protection, and browsing can affect whether they establish successfully.
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- Grow your own Port Orford Cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), a mid-sized evergreen with gracefully flowing foliage, a sturdy trunk, and strong vertical habit
- Seed-grown on California's Redwood Coast
- Transplanting and care instructions included
- Trees can provide a natural barrier against high winds, temperatures, noise pollution and soil erosion, all while benefiting local air quality, wildlife and property values — a Jonsteen seedling will only grow in value and beauty!
Why does northern white cedar matter to forests and wildlife?
Cedar stands provide winter shelter and browse for white-tailed deer, as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. The same browsing that makes the tree useful to deer can damage planted trees and make forest regeneration difficult. Seedlings may establish but fail to grow into larger size classes where browsing pressure is high.
A 2012 USDA Forest Service silvicultural guide discusses slow growth and limited ingrowth on many regional inventory plots. Its recommendations include retaining and releasing existing cedar, protecting advance regeneration and residual trees during harvest, and considering partial-cutting approaches such as selection or irregular shelterwood. These are forestry options described in a regional guide, not a universal prescription for every stand. Boulfroy et al., Silvicultural guide for northern white-cedar (eastern white cedar) (2012).
Best Value
- Dense evergreen foliage provides excellent privacy and wind protection year-round
- Naturally elegant, upright growth creates a clean, classic landscape look
- Cold-hardy and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of climates and soils
- Low-maintenance with good resistance to pests and diseases
- Versatile for hedges, screens, borders, or standalone accent plantings
Other documented uses
The USDA NRCS guide records cedar leaf oil distilled from boughs and historical or traditional uses of the plant. Those references are ethnobotanical and historical context, not medical advice or evidence that a preparation is effective for treating a health condition. USDA NRCS plant guide.
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