Northern White Cedar
Thuja occidentalis · Cupressaceae (Cypresses and Junipers)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Specialized scale-like evergreen foliage arranged in flat, fan-like sprays
Shape
Flat, tiny, overlapping scale-like leaves closely appressed to the branchlets
Margin
Entire (smooth) edges on individual scales
Arrangement
Opposite, decussate arrangement on flattened branchlets
Venation
Parallel or indistinct due to minute scale structure, with small resin glands often visible on the leaves
Key Features
Flattened, fan-like sprays of scale-like leaves, fragrant aromatic foliage when crushed, reddish-brown shredding bark, and small oblong cones with 4 to 6 pairs of scales
Description
Thuja occidentalis is a medium-sized evergreen conifer featuring a conical to pyramidal crown, reddish-brown fibrous bark that peels in narrow strips, and distinctive flat sprays of aromatic scale-like leaves. It produces small, oblong cones containing winged seeds.
Habitat
Typically found in moist to wet forests, swamps, bogs, and limestone cliffs and rocky ridges
Native Range
Native to northeastern North America, stretching across Canada from southeastern Manitoba to Nova Scotia, and south into the northern United States