Arborvitae is found throughout eastern Canada, New England, and the northern states of the Eastern United States. While it is primarily found in Ohio in urban landscapes, where it often thrives in dry, alkaline soils, it occurs in greatest abundance in the wilds of Ohio when found near acidic bogs. Arborvitae has many alternative common names, including Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae, White Cedar, and Northern White Cedar. Cedar Swamp in Champaign County, Ohio is named after this tree (with White Cedar being the common name referred to in this case).

Arborvitae has scale-like leaves, which along with its twigs form flattened sprays that are soft to the touch, rather than prickly (as in Eastern Redcedar). While Eastern Redcedar prefers warmer (southern) climates, Arborvitae prefers colder (northern) climates, with Ohio in the middle ground between these two in terms of geographic distribution. Arborvitae is perhaps the most popular evergreen consumed by deer and other mammals during winter, and its evergreen canopy provides cover for mammals and birds year-round. In many parts of Ohio, it is seen as one of the frequent evergreens in cemeteries. When found in the open, non-compact forms may reach 30 feet tall by 10 feet wide. As a member of the Cypress Family, it is related to Eastern Redcedar, False Cypress, and other species of Arborvitae.

Planting Requirements - Arborvitae performs best in moist soils of alkaline pH, but is very adaptable to poor soils that are rocky, sterile, dry or wet, and of neutral to acidic pH. It can be planted just about anywhere there is full sun to partial sun, with minimal aftercare. It is found in zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial sun, but does not thrive in the southern part of its range.