Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae, white cedar, western redcedar and Thuja all refer to the Arborvitae trees. Eastern red cedar, whose wood is often used to line drawers and hope chests because of its fragrance and moth repelling properties, is not really a cedar at all, but a Juniper (Juniperus virginiana).

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Likewise, is an arborvitae a cypress?

Arborvitae. Arborvitae, (genus Thuja), (Latin: “tree of life”), any of the five species of the genus Thuja, resinous, evergreen ornamental and timber conifers of the cypress family (Cupressaceae), native to North America and eastern Asia. A closely related genus is false arborvitae.

Also, is a juniper a pine? Juniper. Juniper is the common name for a large group of evergreen shrubs and trees belonging to genus Juniperus, in the family Cupressaceae (Cypress), order Pinales (pine). Junipers have thick, dense foliage and some species can be trimmed or sculpted to unusual shapes.

Also, what is the difference between Thuja and arborvitae?

Let's start with how they are the same. Both these trees are evergreen conifers belonging to the group botanists call Thuja. Older trees develop small cones – which is why they are conifers. They are called cedars, arborvitae, or thujas – all these are the same trees.

Can you trim the top of an arborvitae?

Topping is often done when a tree's height becomes problematic. When the top of an arborvitae is cut off, however, it creates a very flat and unsightly appearance. No new growth will occur once the upward growing branch tips have been cut, and no horticultural benefit exists for topping an arborvitae.

Related Question Answers

What are the side effects of arborvitae?

Oriental arborvitae might be safe when taken short-term in small amounts. However, it contains a toxic compound called thujone, which can cause restlessness, mental changes, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, kidney damage, seizures and other side effects, especially when taken long-term or in large amounts.

Which grows faster Leyland cypress or arborvitae?

"Green Giant" grows to a maximum average height of about 60 feet, with a maximum width of about 14 feet. In optimum environments, the tree can grow up to 4 feet per year. The Leyland cypress is a bit larger -- it grows to a maximum height of about 70 feet, with a maximum average width of around 15 feet.

What can I plant instead of Leyland cypress?

For those who desire a tall narrow conifer similar in form to Leyland cypress, consider Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) for dry sites in full sun or 'Green Giant' arborvitae (Thuja plicata 'Green Giant') for moist, but well drained, fertile sites in full sun. Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) makes a fine

What is the lifespan of a Leyland Cypress tree?

It gets part sun. According to Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, the Leyland Cypress, while being a fast grower, is not long-lived. They suggest 10 to 20 years as a possible lifespan.

How far apart do you plant Leyland cypress?

When planting leyland cypress trees for a privacy screen or windbreak, space them 4-15 feet apart. Your spacing should depend on a couple of factors: How quickly you want privacy, and how tall you want the leylands to grow. If you want privacy within 2-4 years, then plant the leylands at a spacing of 4-6 feet.

How can you tell the difference between a Leyland cypress and a Green Giant?

Both trees have deep green foliage with flattened sprays growing on ascending branches. The fruits of both mature to brown, but "Green Giant" has oblong cones about 1/2 inch long, while Leyland cypress cones are slightly larger at 3/4 inch.

Is arborvitae a tree or shrub?

The eastern arborvitae is an extremely common evergreen tree or shrub, used often as a specimen, in hedges, or for privacy. The name "arborvitae," meaning "tree of life," because Native Americans reportedly used the tree for medicinal purposes. The small cones open up to look like small flowers and appeal to birds.

How can you tell if a juniper berry is edible?

Look for a plant with berries that appear blue on it in this open sunny area. The berries are a little smaller than regular blueberries and grown at the ends of the branches. You will smell a pine aroma that is very strong as you come closer to the juniper plant.

What is the difference between Cypress and Juniper?

is that cypress is an evergreen coniferous tree with flattened shoots bearing small scale-like leaves, whose dark foliage is sometimes associated with mourning, in family cupressaceae, especially the genera cupressus'' and ''chamaecyparis while juniper is any shrub or tree of the genus juniperus of the cypress family;

Can you eat juniper berries raw?

Today the California juniper's berries are eaten raw, cooked or ground into a powder used for flavoring.

Is mountain cedar and juniper the same thing?

Despite its common name, the mountain cedar actually belongs to the juniper family! The scientific name for mountain cedar is Juniperus ashei. There are around 70 species of evergreen trees and shrubs in the juniper family, many of which are called “cedars.”

What does a juniper look like?

The common juniper's leaves are more like scales than coniferous needles. Some common junipers have spiny needle-like leaves that grow in whorls of three: The leaves are sharp-pointed and glossy green with a broad white band on the upper side. The adult tree shape is often narrowly columnar.

How many arborvitae do I need?

The recommended spacing for Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees is 2-3 feet apart if you are using it for privacy. If you want quicker privacy, plant them about 2 feet apart. Emerald Green Arborvitae Trees typically grow about 3-4 feet wide.

How long does it take a Green Giant arborvitae to grow?

Up to five feet a year is possible, under ideal conditions. With growth rates like that, after a few short years you have 15 foot, 20 foot and soon 30 to 40 feet trees. The growth stays upright and narrow, so you get the height, but they won't get too fat around, or crowd your garden.

How can I make my arborvitae grow faster?

To fertilize your trees, broadcast the recommended amount of fertilizer evenly over the root zone. Keep the granules well away from the plant's trunk area. Water the soil beneath the tree well when you are done fertilizing arborvitae. This helps the fertilizer dissolve so that it is accessible to the roots.

How fast does emerald green Thuja?

This tree grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year.

How wide do Thuja Green Giants get?

Thuja Green Giant Spacing. Thuja Green Giants typically grow to be about 10-12 feet wide at maturity. Most people use Green Giants as a privacy screen.

What kind of soil do arborvitae like?

Arborvitae prefer moist, well-drained soil in full sun or even partial shade. Most zones of the United States provide ideal arborvitae growing conditions and they are hardy to USDA Zone 3. Check drainage before planting an arborvitae and add grit to a depth of 8 inches if your soil retains too much moisture.