Arborvitae, Oriental

The Oriental Arborvitae grows to heights between 18 and 25 feet in a dense, compact, conical or columnar HABIT. Its width is usually from 10 to 15 feet in range. The branches start off growing vertically, but tend to relax and open up as the tree matures. Bagworms and spider mites are common insects associated with this tree. A common use for this tree is hedges. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil. It’s native to northern Asia but does well in the southern and western states. It likes full sun the best but can tolerate a little shade.

The scale-like LEAVES are a bright yellow-green to grass green while young but when tree matures the leaves change to a darker green. The color is the same on both sides. The leaves give off a faint odor when bruised.

The egg-shaped CONES have a large hooked beak on each of the 6-8 scales. The female cones are woody and bluish when mature. Each scale produces 2 wingless, ovoid SEEDS. The FLOWERS are monoecious, terminal and solitary.

The thin BARK is a reddish color that separates into papery scales.

When young, the branches provide a yellow dye. Caution: the leaves are toxic when eaten and the tree may irritate people with skin allergies.