Northern White Cedar

Northern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)
Common Name: Eastern White Cedar
Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis
Type: Evergreen conifer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Moisture: Moist to well-drained soils
Height: 9–15 m (30–50 ft)
Habitat: Calcareous cliffs, wetlands, limestone alvars, and mixed forests.
 
🌿 Description
Eastern White Cedar is a long-lived conifer native to Ontario, valued for its ecological versatility and longevity. This species forms dense, conical crowns that provide essential year-round cover for birds and small mammals. Its shallow but fibrous root system contributes to soil stabilization on slopes and rocky substrates, making it a key species in erosion control and slope reinforcement.
 
The foliage remains evergreen through winter, reducing wind velocity near the ground and moderating snow deposition in exposed areas. Its rot-resistant wood has made it historically important for Indigenous and early settler use in shelter and tools, and ecologically, it continues to be a vital component of boreal and Great Lakes–St. Lawrence forest systems.
These seedlings originate from genetically ancient parent trees located at Lion’s Head Provincial Park, where individuals have been measured to be over 1,300 years old. The lineage of these trees is estimated to date back to approximately 688 A.D., representing one of the oldest known living genetic lines of Thuja occidentalis in North America.
 
🌱 Ecological Importance
Provides thermal refuge and winter cover for wildlife.
Contributes to nutrient cycling in shallow, calcareous soils.
Functions as a natural buffer against wind and water erosion.
Enhances microhabitat diversity in forested and riparian zones.
 
🌎 Restoration & Use
Ideal for riparian stabilization, hedgerows, windbreaks, and ecological restoration plantings. Thrives in both lowland and upland conditions, tolerating periodic flooding and drought once established.