Common Name(s): Weeping Arborvitae, Weeping Thuja

Synonym(s): Thuja orientalis pendula

Family: Cupressaceae

Native To: Northern China, Korea, Manchuria, and Japan

Native Habitat: Arid regions

Growth Habit: Large shrub or small evergreen tree

Flowering: Insignificant and not ornamentally important flowers form in the spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: This evergreen tree commonly grows to heights of 18 to 25 feet with a 10 foot spread, but can grow as tall as 30 to 40 feet high. The crown is very dense with a compact conical shape. The shredding bark is brown to gray-brown in color. The leaves are bright yellow-green when young, changing to dark green when older. The scale-like leaves are ½ to 1 inch long. Unlike other similar species, the scales are closely pressed to the stem sprays. The leaves give off a slight odor when bruised. The monoecious flowers are small and non-showy. The cones are egg-shaped, ¾ inch long, fleshy, and blue-green before ripening to a medium brown color. There are generally 6 scales on each cone with 2 seeds per scale. The wingless seeds distinguish it from other Thuja species. This is one characteristic that caused this species to be moved by many to the Platycladus genus.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: Long a common tree in China, there are several P. orientalis located there, which are over 1000 years old. This tree was originally under the genus/species of Thuja orientalis, but has more recently been put under the genus of Platycladus. It is the only species in this genus. The tree can still be located usually under both genera names. The species name orientalis refers to its southeastern origin.

Ethnobotany: This tree has normally been grown as a large shrub for an ornamental in landscapes. It used to be a very common ornamental, but is seen less these days. The species that we have on campus is the weeping variety (Pendula) which adds a more flowing appearance than the traditional conical form. This variety has a much more open crown resembling a tree rather than a shrub.

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