Photo of Thuja plicata form by abdallahh

Photo by abdallahh

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Buy Thuja plicata

Also Known As

  • Giant Arbor
  • Western Red Cedar

Plant type

tree, conifer

size

  • H: 50'-120'
  • W: 15'-50'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

deep plug - bare root | $11.69

Shipping flat rate $9.99

53 at Red Panda Nursery

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Thuja plicata plant details

Thuja plicata is a fast-growing evergreen conifer tree with green foliage. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thuja plicata

Plant type: conifer tree
Plant family: cupressaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 FT - 50 FT - wide, 50 FT - 120 FT - tall
Uses: bare root shipping available, columnar

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thuja plicata

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, clay, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A stately large tree from the Western United States with elegantly drooping sprays of bright-green, scale-like leaves which have a burnished bronze tint in winter, the leaves are quite aromatic when crushed; reaching 50-75' in the garden setting, it can reach up to 200' in the wild and can live from 400 to 1,000 years; traditionally used for totem poles, the wood contains a natural fungicide Thujaplicin which prevents it from rotting, making it a very useful wood. S/M
Very similar to and a close relative of Incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), Western Red Cedar (or Redcedar) is an attractive western native that has slightly drooping branches with scale-like leaves similar to most popular Cypress species. It looks somewhat like Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, except that it has deep green leaves rather than silver gray. Both species occupy overlapping ranges with C. lawsoniana growing farther. Western Red Cedar is one of the parent species for the popular hybrid 'Green Giant Arborvitae' which behaves and looks very similar but has a more open habit and faster growth rate.
Western Red Cedar is most often used for privacy hedges or screens because of its dense foliage and extremely fast growth. Although it prefers full sun, it will grow in shade and is often one of the best choices for a tall evergreen hedge for deeply shaded locations. If sheared annually, plants can be shaped into an orderly hedge or used to create arches and other patterns. Thuja plicata prunes into a formal hedge better than most other related species and is more forgiving if not kept up with. Dormant buds survive on old wood much longer than many other conifer species which allows older branches to produce growth after shearing.
Branches horizontal, drooping, turning upward at end. NW Native, tolerant of damp soils. USDA Zones 5-9
An important timber tree in the Northwest, this is also a very desirable and fast growing tree for the larger yard or where a tall hedge is needed. It has broad, flattened, deep green foliage with scale like needles. The foliage is fragrant and useful in wreaths. It grows in a conical upright form which, as it matures, will have somewhat weeping branches. An attractive evergreen. Can grow 2' or more each year when established.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Thuja plicata plant

How to Grow Thuja plicata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Thuja for your garden

aka Western Red Cedar, Zebra Giant Arbor, Zebra Red Cedar, Zebrina Western Arborvitae

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 30'-50'

Width: 8'-20'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja plicata 'Zebrina' form by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Thuja occidentalis 'Danika', Danica Arborvitae

Plant Type

Shrub, Conifer

Zones

2a-8b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja occidentalis 'Danica' foliage by Bloom River Gardens
View Plant

Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

aka American Arborvitae, Emerald Green Arborvitae

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 12'-14'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' by The Kinsey Family Farm
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aka Can Can Red Cedar

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Thuja plicata 'Can Can' foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka American Arborvitae, Eastern Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

Zones

2a-8b

Size

Height: 60'

Width: 15'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Thuja occidentalis form by Albert Jankowski
View Plant

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