Northern White-cedar
Thuja occidentalis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Thuja occidentalis is a slow growing evergreen tree often used as a hedge or windbreak in cool, humid climates across the Northeast and Upper Midwest. It sets small cones in May and June and does best with part sun and medium moisture.
Toxicity unknown
Northern White-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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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
- When does Northern White-cedar bloom or produce cones?
- Northern White-cedar produces its small pollen and seed cones in May and June.
- What light and water conditions does Thuja occidentalis need?
- It grows well in part sun to full sun and prefers medium, evenly moist soil, though established trees handle brief dry spells.
- Does Northern White-cedar lose its leaves in winter?
- No. It is an evergreen conifer and keeps its flat, scale-like foliage through the winter months.
- How is Thuja occidentalis typically used in landscaping?
- It is a common choice for hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks because of its dense, narrow growth habit and tolerance for shearing.
- 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.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Northern White-cedar? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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