How to Grow White Cedar

Wikimedia Commons

White Cedar

Thuja occidentalis

tree

White cedar is a native North American evergreen conifer that typically grows as a narrow, columnar tree with soft, feathery foliage that turns bronze or brown in winter. It produces small, flattened sprays of scale-like leaves and tiny cones, and is valued for windbreaks, hedges, and ornamental landscaping. The wood is naturally aromatic and decay-resistant, making it useful for both aesthetic and practical applications.

Looking for a specific variety?

Emerald Green Degroot's Spire Techny DeGroot's Pyramid Yellow Ribbon Bloodgood

When should you plant White Cedar in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my White Cedar timeline →

Example White Cedar timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant White Cedar
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest White Cedar
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact White Cedar dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best shape and color, though it tolerates light shade

💧

Water: Moderate to consistently moist soil; water deeply weekly during establishment (first 2 years), then reduce frequency. Performs well in naturally moist areas and tolerates wet soils. During drought, water every 7-10 days.

📏

Spacing: 36-120 depending on variety (compact cultivars 36-60 inches, larger varieties 120+ inches) inches

📅

Days to maturity: 3-5 years to reach ornamental maturity; full size varies from 5 years to 50+ years depending on variety

🌱

Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as root ball; seeds require stratification and should be barely covered

Soil

Type: Moist, well-draining loamy or clay soil; tolerates wet conditions better than most conifers

pH: 6.0-8.0

Amendments:

Peat moss for acid-loving varieties Compost to improve moisture retention Sand for drainage if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

Get my White Cedar timeline →

Growth Stages

Germination/Seedling

4-8 weeks to first true leaves

Tiny seedlings with first needle-like leaves; extremely delicate and slow-growing initially

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light; protect from direct sun and wind; requires 1-2 months cold stratification

Juvenile Growth

1-3 years

Young tree develops main leader and lateral branches; foliage is needle-like rather than scale-like; slow growth rate (4-12 inches per year depending on conditions)

Water regularly, maintain consistent moisture; avoid wounding leader shoot; provide protection from deer and rabbits; stake if windy

Establishment

2-5 years

Root system expands; foliage develops more characteristic scale-like appearance; growth gradually accelerates; tree begins to show its mature form

Continue regular watering during dry spells; apply 2-3 inch organic mulch layer; light pruning to shape if desired; monitor for spider mites in dry conditions

Mature Growth

Ongoing, many decades

Fully established tree with dense, uniform foliage; reaches characteristic size and shape; produces small seed cones

Reduce watering to natural rainfall in most climates; prune lightly in spring to maintain form; check for winter browning (normal in cold climates); thin if dense for health

Winter Dormancy

November-March in northern zones

Foliage may brown or bronze in cold winters, particularly in exposed locations; tree remains evergreen but color fades

This is normal; avoid fertilizing in late summer as new tender growth is susceptible to cold damage; ensure adequate moisture before ground freezes

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Birch Spruce Fir Viburnum Rhododendron Holly Dogwood Serviceberry

Avoid planting near:

Juglans (Black walnut) - produces juglone toxin Salt-treated areas Extremely dry open exposures

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases; improve humidity; avoid over-fertilizing
Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in spring when caterpillars hatch; prune infested branches
Prune out affected branches; insecticidal soap spray in early summer; maintain tree vigor with proper watering
Fence or use deer repellent sprays; young trees more susceptible; less palatable as trees mature
Ensure well-draining soil; avoid waterlogging; remove infected trees; improve soil drainage with amendments; sterilize tools

Uses

🏠

Aromatic wood and natural repellent

Household

White cedar wood has a distinctive, pleasant spicy aroma due to natural oils including thujone and limonene. The wood has been traditionally used for cedar chests, closets, and storage containers to repel moths and other insects. [source]

🏠

Windbreak and privacy screening

Household

The narrow, columnar growth habit and dense foliage make white cedar an excellent choice for living windbreaks, hedges, and privacy screens. Many cultivars are specifically bred for this purpose. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

White cedar has been used in traditional medicine by Native Americans and early settlers for various purposes, including treating respiratory issues and skin conditions. Modern use is limited and should only occur under professional guidance. [source]

🎨

Timber for woodworking and shingles

Craft

The lightweight, decay-resistant wood is highly valued for exterior applications including shingles, siding, fence posts, and rustic furniture. Its natural durability means it resists rot without chemical treatment. [source]

🦋

Wildlife habitat and food

Wildlife

White cedar provides important cover and shelter for birds, deer, and small mammals. The seeds and foliage feed various wildlife species, and the dense branching provides nesting sites for birds. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

White cedar is primarily an ornamental/timber tree, not harvested like food plants. For seed collection: harvest small cones in fall when they turn brown and begin to open; dry in cool location until seeds are released. For timber harvest: requires mature trees (20+ years) and should be done by certified foresters. Foliage can be harvested year-round for aromatic purposes but prune lightly to avoid damaging tree form.

Fun Facts

🌱 White cedar was one of the first plants sent from North America back to Europe by early colonists, becoming popular in European landscapes before gaining widespread use in its native home.
🌱 The wood is naturally rot-resistant due to compounds in the heartwood, allowing untreated white cedar shingles to last 20-40+ years on roofs and siding without chemical preservatives.
🌱 In winter, white cedar foliage often turns reddish-brown or bronze as a natural adaptation to cold; this color change is normal and healthy, though the tree remains evergreen beneath the colored outer foliage.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

Shop White Cedar plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized White Cedar planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start White Cedar seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my White Cedar timeline →