A.k.a. American arborvitae. A dense growing evergreen often planted in place of arborvitae! Can be easily trimmed/shaped in the same manner as arborvitae. While very old individuals can reach 40’-70’ in the wild, they are generally treated as 20’-30’ trees in cultivation. Prefer rich, moist, neutral to alkaline soil rich in calcium. Does not tolerate drought. Indiana is the southernmost extreme of their range, so they are best grown where they will get shade in the hottest parts of the day.

Pollination: Male and female needed.

Light: Part Sun/Shade, Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic

Soil Type: Loam, Clay Loam

Height: 40’-70’ (see description above) 

Width: 10’-25’

Bloom Color: -

Bloom Time: -

Fruit: Small cones mature late summer-early fall.

Fall Color: Evergreen

Root Type: Branching

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Hosts a few species of moth, beetles, borers, and smaller insects. Birds including pine siskin and junco eat the seeds.

Notes: In ideal conditions, wild trees can live 400-800 years. Easily propagated by cuttings, and branches may root where they touch the ground. Red squirrel eat seeds and deer brows new growth. Stands of this tree provide winter cover for animals, and cover for migratory birds.