Common Name(s): Oriental Arborvitae

Synonym(s):

Family: Cupressaceae

Native To: Western China and North Korea; northeastern Iran

Native Habitat: Steep rocky hillsides and cliffs

Growth Habit: Dense shrub-like conifer with conical form

Flowering: Female cones are small bluish-green, male cones are small and inconspicuous

Distinguishing Characteristics: This evergreen tree has become very popular for landscaping purposes throughout the world for many years, especially in the south, southwestern sections of the U.S., southern Europe, and eastern Asia. It is one of the standard evergreens for low maintenance in mesic gardens. Foliage has a vertical quality. Even older specimens usually keep their foliage dense all the way to the ground, making the species a common choice for wind breaks and screening. Arborvitae is reasonably very tolerant in chalky or alkaline soils, which is commonly the situation in arid areas. However, no one would call it a desert plant.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes:

Ethnobotany:

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