Northern White-cedar
Thuja occidentalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–600" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CT, IL, IN, KY and 17 more states
Northern white-cedar is a narrow, pyramidal evergreen tree that grows 20-50 feet tall with dense, scale-like foliage. It maintains an attractive, formal shape naturally and provides year-round structure to the landscape. This slow-growing native conifer tolerates various soil conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Northern White-cedar is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Provides nesting sites and shelter for birds year-round, with seeds eaten by small mammals and songbirds. The dense foliage offers excellent winter protection for wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Northern White-cedar fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.