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Oriental arborvitae Adobe Acrobat Version |
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Thuja orientalis, or Oriental arborvitae (photo), is native to China, Japan and Korea. The Woodward selection is used in the Kansas Conservation Tree Planting Program. It tends to form a central stem and develops into a 20 to 30 feet tree rather than the shrub form most commonly seen. This aromatic evergreen has a pyramidal shape with 12 to 15 foot spread.
It has a moderate growth rate and will grow well in full or partial sunlight. Leaves, Stems and Fruit The leaves are scale-like (photo) and the foliage on branches is flattened into a pressed vertical plate. Inconspicuous flowers develop into 1/2 to 1 inch long woody cones. Use Windbreaks - This is a desirable tree for windbreaks and should be used under the same general conditions and location in the windbreak as Eastern redcedar. Wildlife Habitat - The low branching habit of arborvitae provides good ground cover for a variety of wildlife. Adaptation and Soil Oriental arborvitae has adapted to the eastern two-thirds of Kansas and is a tough tree that grows on a variety of soils and moisture conditions. Spacing Use a spacing of 6 to 10 feet. Culture Oriental Arborvitae is readily established with two-year-old, bare root seedlings (8 to 12 inches tall). During the establishment period, control of competing vegetation will aid survival and early growth. Pests Insects and diseases are generally not a serious problem, but arborvitae may be attacked by bagworms, spider mite and Phomopsis blight. It often has some winter injury, but quickly recovers. |
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