Accession Count: 20
Common Name:
Oriental arborvitae
Family Name:
Cupressaceae
Botanical Name:
Platycladus orientalis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The oriental arborvitae is an evergreen conifer, this tree grows to 50-65 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. It has coarse, ash-brown, bark that peels off in vertical strips. The foliage forms in flat sprays with scale-like, yellow-green leaves (4). The fleshy, glaucous young cones are pale green, then woody, horn-like, and brown when mature (2). From March to April pollination occurs, the seeds reach maturity in October (5).
Compound:
Pla ori
Geographic Origin:
East Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This plant is native to Korea, Manchuria and Northern China (2). The Platycladus orientalis has been distributed and naturalized in Arizona and Florida (3). These trees have can live for 1,000 plus years. These trees live in China next to Buddhist temples and represent longevity and vitality (4).
Cultivation Notes:
Arborvitae can tolerant chalky or alkaline soils, which is commonly the situation in arid areas. The Platycladus orientalis grow best in fertile, moderate moisture, well-drained soils in full sunlight. To avoid the plants demise water regularly in hot and dry weather (1). This plant can't tolerate boggy conditions and low sunlight levels. Do not plant in an environment that has harsh winter winds (2).
Ethnobotany:
This evergreen tree is a very popular landscape tree in the U.S., southern Europe, and eastern Asia. This tree is prized for its longevity and shading capabilities. In China the Buddhist community have Platycladus orientalis growing near their temples. They use the wood for construction work and the chips for incense burning (4).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Color:
Green
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
