Northern White-Cedar, also known as Eastern Arborvitae or Swamp Cedar
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Pinophyta, Class: Pinopsida, Order: Pinales, Family: Cupressaceae, Genus: Thuja, Species: T. occidentalis · Cupressaceae (Cypress family) · Specialized (scale-like leaves arranged on flattened, evergreen branchlets)
Species
Thuja occidentalis
Leaf Type
Specialized (scale-like leaves arranged on flattened, evergreen branchlets)
Family
Cupressaceae (Cypress family)
Shape
Scale-like, closely appressed leaves arranged in flat, fan-like sprays
Size
Individual scale leaves are very small (about 1-3 mm long); the visible branchlet spray in the image spans approximately 4 to 5 inches across
Margin
Entire (smooth edges on individual scale leaves)
Arrangement
Opposite, decussate scale-like leaves closely overlapping along flattened twigs
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Muted green to brownish-green due to drying or age, typical of a pressed herbarium specimen; lower surfaces often show subtle whitish glands, and winter foliage can develop a bronze tinge
Venation Pattern
Parallel or obscurely veined, typical of scale-like conifer foliage with resin glands on the back
Texture & Surface
Leathery to papery due to being pressed, generally smooth and somewhat flattened with tiny resin dots
Description
Northern White-Cedar is a slow-growing evergreen conifer featuring dense, flat sprays of scale-like leaves and small, upright woody cones. The bark is reddish-brown and fibrous, peeling in narrow strips. It forms a conical or pyramidal crown and is well-adapted to harsh northern climates and calcium-rich soils.
Key Features
Flattened, fan-like spray of scale-like leaves, small oblong-ellipsoid cones with few pairs of scales, and fragrant, aromatic foliage when crushed
Habitat
Typically found in cool, moist forests, swamps, limestone cliffs, and along rocky stream banks; prefers alkaline soils and high moisture
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, spanning from southeastern Canada down through the northeastern and north-central United States
Condition Notes
The specimen is a dried, pressed herbarium sample affixed with transparent tape. It is in good structural condition for an archived plant sample, showing typical drying discoloration from bright green to olive-brown along with dried mature cones attached.
Interesting Facts
The genus name Thuja comes from a Greek word meaning 'perfume' or 'sacred tree', reflecting its fragrant wood. Native Americans used its bark and foliage for various remedies, earning it the Ojibwe name 'Oo-wa-the-wa' or arborvitae, meaning 'tree of life', because its tea prevented scurvy for early European explorers like Jacques Cartier.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory issues, rheumatism, and fevers, though internal use is hazardous due to toxicity. Highly valued as an ornamental hedge plant and for rot-resistant timber used in posts, canoes, and shingles.
Ecological Role
Provides critical winter browse, thermal cover, and nesting habitat for white-tailed deer, snowshoe hares, and various birds. It also helps stabilize soil in wetland ecosystems and along rocky slopes.
Similar Species
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), which has more needle-like juvenile leaves and fleshy berry-like cones rather than woody cones, and Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), which has more rounded scale leaves and tiny spherical cones.
Foraging Tips
Look for conical evergreen trees with stringy bark in damp woods, limestone outcrops, or swampy areas. The distinctive flat, fan-like sprays and aromatic scent when crushed make it easy to identify year-round.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly to Moderately Toxic. The foliage and essential oils contain thujone, which can cause severe digestive distress, uterine contractions, convulsions, and liver or kidney damage if ingested in large quantities.