Arborvitae - Thuja occidentalis Cypress Family (Cupressaceae)

The species epithet, occidentalis, means from the Western world.1 Arborvitae was the first North American tree to be introduced to Europe.2 Native Americans made baskets from the roots and used the leaves in tea.2

Arborvitae are narrow, pyramid shaped trees that come to a point at the top. The foliage of the arborvitae grows in flat sprays with tiny scale-like leaves. The newly forming leaves are feathery, and they get their scale-like appearance as they age.3

References:
  1. Thuja occidentalis. North Carolina Extension Gardener. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/thuja-occidentalis/. No Publication Date. Accessed December 4, 2023.
  2. Arborvitae. Almanac. https://www.almanac.com/plant/arborvitae. Updated February 13, 2024. Accessed December 4, 2023.
  3. Arborvitae Tree Identification. Weekand.com. https://www.weekand.com/homegarden/article/arborvitae-treeidentification-18030817.php. Updated November 8, 2012. Accessed December 4, 2023.
  4. https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.iJYP6HC5_XZnu215C-K0qgHaJ4?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain
  5. https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.78683e09310f8c9a9387a610681ffda7?rik=sCMikxottwQsKg&riu=http%3a%2f%2fwww.boldkc.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2017%2f01%2fP1000829.jpg&ehk=O9fHkwNnJRI7IDt4OEL5W6YWULzC0N0aiAcmD6MRxfY%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0
  6. https://newfs.s3.amazonaws.com/taxonimages-1000s1000/Cupressaceae/thujaoccidentalis-fr-ahaines-b.jpg