Species

Thuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

31 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

American Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant'

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja occidentalis is a dense, upright, columnar to narrow-pyramidal evergreen conifer native to eastern and central North America. It develops a straight single leading stem with tightly packed, ascending-to-horizontal branches covered in scale-like, flattened aromatic sprays.

'Brabant' is distinguished by its rapid growth rate of up to 12 to 16 inches per year and its bright yellow-green to light green new growth. This cultivar retains its vibrant color through winter far better than the species and requires regular shearing to maintain a neat, formal hedge.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, bright green vertical element that retains its color throughout the winter months.

Serves as an effective, fast-growing windbreak, privacy screen, or noise barrier in urban and suburban yards.

Offers excellent year-round nesting cover and thermal shelter for small birds and mammals.

SpeciesThuja occidentalisEastern Arborvitae Northern White Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

315"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Harmful if ingested; skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with fertile, moist, well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil flare sits level with the ground surface.
Backfill with native soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Never cut hard back into old, brown, leafless wood, as this conifer lacks the ability to regenerate from bare stems; instead, spread major size reductions over two to three seasons.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells to prevent foliage scorch and root stress.
Prune once or twice a year in late spring or mid-summer to maintain hedge density.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage to avoid skin irritation or contact dermatitis.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely or become waterlogged, as the root system is sensitive to both extremes.
Do not scalp the foliage back to bare, brown wood when shearing.
Do not plant in areas with heavy deer traffic without physical protection.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenHedgeWindbreakSpecimen Planting

Companion Plants

Hydrangea arborescens Physocarpus opulifolius Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

American Arborvitae questions

What zones can American Arborvitae grow in?

American Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is American Arborvitae deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse American Arborvitae, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does American Arborvitae bloom?

American Arborvitae typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does American Arborvitae need full sun?

American Arborvitae does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.