Seed – Thuja occidentalis

Description

Planting/Growing Thuja Discussion:

Thuja occidentalis, is a medicinal evergreen tree. A single tree may provide enough plant matter to last a lifetime for your entire family, It is also called White Cedar”, also known as arborvitae. It has an intense aroma and is dense in natural essential oil content. Even though it is not commonly known, many essential oils that are made with it are called “cedarwood”. I became curious about it after learning that it may help collagen bonds become stronger and some say even more so than in its natural state. The oldest of these trees are said to exist in Canada, throughout cliffs, where they are over 1,600 years old!

You may recognize its berries, as when they produce, the tree becomes covered in beautiful, blue berries with spikes that are very unique and recognizable. They grow in zones 5-8, yet grow best in zones 6-9.

It is often planted as a decorative landscape plant or as a hedge tree, eventually growing large enough to envelope and hide property from the outside. They can be pruned and shaped to maintain a large shrub-like appearance or if they are allotted to grow on their own, may form a traditional large tree form. If you decide to prune or shape your trees, be sure not to cut deep into the wood branches. They can grow up to 80 ft. tall.

The seeds need an 8 week stratification period. It is a seed to plant in the fall. It loves full sun but can tolerate some shade.  Scarification can be done by soaking it in water for 24 hours before planting.  Seeds are to be sown 1/8th inch deep. It takes around 3 weeks to germinate. It can be planted in pots and transplanted into larger ones until the third year, at which time it can go into the ground.

For hedging, plant them 5 ft. apart, whereas for decorative use, it can be planted at least 30 ft. apart. If a branch touches the ground, it may produce roots eventually. 

We carry Thuja tinctures, colloidal tinctures, glycerites, herbal tea, loose powder, and capsules, elsewhere on this site. To purchase one, or to read about the possible benefits of Thuja, Click Here.

Happy Planting!!!