Giant Arborvitae, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
In its native regions the Giant Arborvitae grows to heights of up to 60 metres. The branches of this tapering tree protrude irregularly outwards. It is ideal for larger hedges, as it changes colour only marginally. The scale leaves are pointed, ovate.
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Appearance
In its native regions the Giant Arborvitae grows to heights of up to 60 metres. The branches of this tapering tree protrude irregularly outwards. It is ideal for larger hedges, as it changes colour only marginally. The scale leaves are pointed, ovate.
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Leaves
Thick scales. Outer scales are cymbiform, inner scales ovate, 0.2-0.3cm long. Scales are green above, grey-green below.
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Leaf upperside
Thick scales. Outer scales are cymbiform, inner scales ovate, 0.2-0.3cm long. Scales are green above, grey-green below.
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Fruits
Oblong elliptical cones, up to 1.8cm long, first upright, later pendent.
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Bark
Red-brown bark peeling off in asymmetrical plates or only on one side.
Application
Afforestation, noise abatement, wind-break, bird protection, public areas, parks, urban areas, private parks, aggressive roots, pollen (allergy)
Native regions
Western North America
Location parameters
Light: sunny to shady, temperature: normal to cold, soil: very fresh to wet, soil structure: firm to loose, soil depth: medium to very deep, soil quality: medium to high, pH value: 5.0 to 8.0, nutrient concentration: normal
Demands
The Giant Arborvitae is absolutely winter-hardy in humid regions. Does not tolerate very cold winters in dry regions. Grows very rapidly in favourable conditions and tolerates shade very well. Difficult to relocate.
Growth
Height of growth: 20m to 30m, normal growth potential, growth habits: wide, irregular, upright, protruding, compact crown, often multi-stemmed
Leaves
Thick scales. Outer scales are cymbiform, inner scales ovate, 0.2-0.3cm long. Scales are green above, grey-green below.
Flowers
Flowering period IV-V, inconspicuous, yellowish male flowers, brownish-yellow female flower.
Fruits
Oblong elliptical cones, up to 1.8cm long, first upright, later pendent.
Bark
Red-brown bark peeling off in asymmetrical plates or only on one side.
Roots
Surface-rooting.