Northern White-Cedar
Thuja occidentalis · Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Specialized (scale-like evergreen needles)
Shape
Flat, overlapping scale-like leaves arranged in opposite pairs on flattened branchlets
Margin
Entire
Arrangement
Opposite, tightly pressed scale-like leaves on flattened, fan-like branchlets
Venation
Parallel / obscure due to the tiny scale-like structure
Key Features
Flattened, fan-like spray of tiny, scale-like, aromatic leaves in opposite pairs; small, upright woody cones with few scales; and shredding reddish-brown bark
Description
Northern White-Cedar is a slow-growing evergreen conifer featuring dense, flat sprays of scale-like leaves and fibrous, shredding reddish-brown bark. It typically grows as a medium-sized tree with a conical crown, often developing a flared base and enduring harsh environments for centuries.
Habitat
Typically found in moist to wet soils, swamps, along riverbanks, and limestone rocky ridges or cliffs
Native Range
Native to northeastern North America, ranging from southern Canada down through the Great Lakes region and into the northeastern United States, extending south along the Appalachian Mountains