Attributes:

A dense, often broad-pyramidal tree with short ascending branches to the ground which end in flat, spreading, horizontal sprays; usually one trunk, but multiple trunks may occur. Useful as a specimen or accent, good for hedges, shelter-belts, commonly used as a foundation plant.

Wildlife Value:

Providing shelter in the winter and nesting sites for grackles, robins and house finches in the summer, this evergreen also provides food in the form of browse for deer, cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares and occasionally moose. The seeds are eaten by red squirrels, and birds such as pine siskins.

History/Lore/Use:

The name arborvitae, is a Latin form of the French, "l'arbre de vie," which means, "tree of life." Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who assigned the Latin name to this species, picked up on other traits. The genus name, Thuja, is from a Greek word for perfume. Squeezing the evergreen leaves releases an aroma that is nothing less than nature's perfume.

The native North American tree, America Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), was useful in early canoes and medicines and became the first North American tree to be introduced to Europe. The specific name, occidentalis, means "west," the direction from Sweden where this tree was discovered.

Leaves:

Bright green foliage in summer changing to a multitude of rich yellow-brown-green hues in the winter.