Oriental arborvitae is similar in appearance to other species of arborvitae. Winter protection may be needed for this plant. Because it is typically short in stature, oriental arborvitae may be planted under utility lines. Nurseries usually sell the cultivars of this plant rather than the actual species and those cultivars can vary greatly in appearance. Also known as Thuja orientalis.
- Family (English) Cypress
- Family (botanic) Cupressaceae
- Planting site Residential and parks, Under utility lines
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Evergreen (foliage year-round)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Small shrub (3-5 feet), Medium shrub (5-8 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet), Small tree (15-25 feet)
- Mature height 18-25 feet
- Mature width 10-15 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early spring, mid spring, late spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Pyramidal, Round, Upright
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well Yes
- Wildlife Browsers, Nesting birds, Small mammals
- Has cultivars Yes