Northern White-cedar
Thuja occidentalis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Northern White-cedar is an evergreen conifer native to northeastern and Great Lakes states, blooming in May and June. This adaptable tree tolerates various light and moisture conditions.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern White-cedar as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Northern White-cedar
Grow Northern White-cedar in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 120 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- What regions is Northern White-cedar native to?
- Thuja occidentalis is native to northeastern United States and Great Lakes region, including states from Maine to North Carolina and west to Minnesota and Illinois.
- When does Northern White-cedar bloom?
- Northern White-cedar produces small inconspicuous flowers in May and June, followed by small woody cones that mature in fall.
- What growing conditions does Northern White-cedar prefer?
- This adaptable evergreen tolerates full sun to partial shade and grows in wet to moderately dry soils, making it useful for various landscape situations including wet areas.
- Is Northern White-cedar toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern White-cedar as toxic to livestock.
- Is Northern White-cedar HOA-friendly?
- Northern White-cedar is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Northern White-cedar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz