Oriental Arborvitae
Thuja orientalis, or Oriental arborvitae, is native to China, Japan and Korea. The Woodward selection is used in the Kansas Conservation Tree Planting Program. It tends to form a central stem and develops into a 20 to 30 feet tree rather than the shrub form most commonly seen. This aromatic evergreen has a pyramidal shape with 12 to 15 foot spread. It has a moderate growth rate and will grow well in full or partial sunlight.
Leaves, Stems and Fruit
The leaves are scale-like and the foliage on branches is flattened into a pressed vertical plate. Inconspicuous flowers develop into 1/2 to 1 inch long woody cones.
Use
Windbreaks - This is a desirable tree for windbreaks and should be used under the same general conditions and location in the windbreak as Eastern Redcedar.
Wildlife Habitat - The low branching habit of arborvitae provides good ground cover for a variety of wildlife.
Adaptation and Soil
Oriental arborvitae has adapted to the eastern two-thirds of Kansas and is a tough tree that grows on a variety of soils and moisture conditions.
Spacing
Use a spacing of 6 to 10 feet.
Culture
Oriental Arborvitae is readily established with two-year-old, bare root seedlings (8 to 12 inches tall). During the establishment period, control of competing vegetation will aid survival and early growth.
Pests
Insects and diseases are generally not a serious problem, but arborvitae may be attacked by bagworms, spider mite and Phomopsis blight. It often has some winter injury, but quickly recovers
Soil Information
| Average Height in 20 Yrs: | |
| -Eastern | 15-20 ft. |
| -Central | 14-18 ft. |
| -Western | Not Suitable |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Native Species: | Introduced to Kansas |
| Windbreak Value: | High |
| Wildlife Value: | Medium |
| Lumber Products: | No |
| Fuelwood Products: | No |
| Drought Tolerance: | Medium |
| Texture: | 1,2,3 |
| Soil Saturation: | No Tolerance |
| Salinity Tolerance: | Medium Tolerance |
| pH Range: | 4.7-6.8 |