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Thuja occidentalis American arbor-vitae Evergreen tree (1 Page of 5) The Thuja occidentalis plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Georgia, west to Illinois and Minnesota. It is a member of the Cupressaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as American arbor-vitae. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Thuja occidentalis Common Name: American arbor-vitae Family: Cupressaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: An essential oil from the leaves is poisonous if taken in large doses[7, 65]. This plant should not be used by pregnant women[165]. Mature Height: 15 Mature Width: 5 Habitat: Swamps and cool rocky banks of streams[43], forming dense almost impenetrable forests[82, 165]. Also found on rocky soils[226]. Plants are usually found on neutral to alkaline limestone soils[226].
Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown when ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[113]. Stored seed germinates best if given a short cold stratification[113]. It can be sown in a cold frame in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
If growing large quantities of plants, the seed can be sown in an outdoor seed bed in mid spring[78]. Grow the plants on for two years and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late autumn or early spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a shaded frame. Forms roots by the end of September but it should be overwintered in a frame[78].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September in a cold frame. Forms roots in the following summer. Plant out in autumn or spring[78].
For further Thuja occidentalis gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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