Native Plant of the Week - American Arborvitae

This week's Native Plant of the Week is a plant that many of you have probably seen in someone's yard (or maybe your own!) - Thuja occidentalis, American Arborvitae. Arborvitae have a narrow to broad, pyramidal habit, and the fragrant foliage has a nice, soft texture. It has lustrous dark green foliage in summer and can turn a yellowish-green to brownish-green in winter. The straight species reaches 50-75' high, with a spread of 35-50'. It does well in full sun, but can handle some afternoon shade, which makes this evergreen pretty versatile. Tolerates clay soil (great for our neck of the woods), air pollution and black walnuts. All-in-all, a terrific urban evergreen tree - resilient and durable. This tree also provides winter coverage and food for songbirds and small mammals.

Arborvitae has a plethora of uses - hedges, foundation planting, groupings; it can even be used as a specimen. It can be pruned and shaped easily.  Cultivars range from the tall to the small, from fine threaded texture, to full and dense. 'Emerald' - it's foliage is true to it's cultivar name - lush emerald green foliage, also displays excellent heat tolerance grows 10-15' high, 3-5' wide. 'Teddy' - 1' tall, 2' wide, globe shaped, foliage has a feathery texture. 'Hetz Midget' - 3-4' tall and wide, slow growing, great for small gardens. 'Rheingold' 4-5' tall and wide, bright golden foliage, adds a nice pop of color to a planting border in the garden.

Arborvitae have few problems. Foliage may show some winter burn in cold exposed sites, so avoid planting in cold windy spaces.