Platycladus orientalis
Oriental Arborvitae

Previously known as: Thuja orientalis

Family:

Cupressaceae (Cypress Family) 99

Genus:

Platycladus (Oriental Arborvitae Arborvitae, Oriental) 1

Plant Type:

Shrub/Tree 76

Growth Forms:

Columnar 42

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 234

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 250

Foliage Notes:

Green (Spring/summer/fall); Bronze (Turns dull brown to bronze in winter, depending on variety)

Fruit Notes:

Brown

Ultimate Height:

18-25 feet

Ultimate Spread:

10-15 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Best in at least fairly moist soils

Range:

Korea, Northern China

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Scale-like leaves smaller (0.06-0.08" long) than Thuja and lack a visible waxy coating. Leaves more adpressed on lateral branchlets, and more free and spreading on leading shoots. No conspicuous leaf gland as in Thuja occidentalis. Branchlets are flattened, vertical, and somewhat parallel. Cone scales have distinct hooks at the bottom (unlike Thuja).

Special Characteristics:

Additional Information

Best in at least fairly moist soils, and with fairly high humidity. Habit tends toward becoming thinner (open) with age. Subject to "winter-burn" near the edge of its useful range. Certain forms provide very positive accent, but can be over-used. Bagworms can also be a problem.