Thuja occidentalis (Fr: thuya occidental | En: Eastern white cedar)

Eastern white cedar is remarkable for its versatility. It occupies some of the most extreme conditions in our landscape: thin, drought-prone soils over exposed calcareous bedrock where little else survives, as well as cold, mineral-rich fens and forested swamps where standing water is common for much of the year.

It establishes slowly, but once rooted, it can persist for an extraordinarily long time. In fact, it is the longest-lived tree species in our region, capable of surviving well over 1,000 years.

Known as giizhik in Anishinaabemowin, white cedar holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Algonquin, Haudenosaunee, and other First Nations. Its naturally rot-resistant wood has long been used for fence posts, canoe ribs, and structural elements. The foliage has important medicinal uses, and the inner bark has a long history as both a nutritional and therapeutic resource.

It was also one of the first North American trees brought to European attention. In the 16th century, Indigenous knowledge shared with Jacques Cartier and his crew helped prevent scurvy using cedar-based remedies—giving rise to its early name l’arbre de vie (“tree of life”), and later, the name Arborvitae.

Height: 6–12 m
Habitat: Stream edges, lakeshores, limestone escarpments, fens, alvars
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Dry to wet
Soil: Adaptable; prefers calcareous substrates