Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
Oriental arborvitae
Family Name:
Cupressaceae
Botanical Name:
Platycladus orientalis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
This evergreen tree commonly grows to heights of 18 to 25 feet with a 10 foot spread, but can grow as tall as 30 to 40 feet high. The crown is very dense with a compact conical shape. The shredding bark is brown to gray-brown in color. The leaves are bright yellow-green when young, changing to dark green when older. The scale-like leaves are ½ to 1 inch long. Unlike other similar species the scales are closely pressed to the stem sprays. The leaves give off a slight odor when bruised. The monoecious flowers are small and non-showy. The cones are egg-shaped, ¾ inch long, fleshy and blue-green, before ripening to a medium brown color. There are generally 6 scales on each cone with 2 seeds per scale.
Compound:
Pla ori
Geographic Origin:
East Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Long a common tree in China, there are several P. orientalis in the area over 1000 years old. This tree was originally under the genus/species of Thuja orientalis but has more recently been put under the genus of Platycladus. It is the only species in this genus. The tree can still be located usually under both genera names. The species name orientalis refers to its southeastern origin. ======================================================================= Natural History of the UA Campus Arboretum Specimen: The specimen that we have on campus is the weeping variety (Pendula), which has a more flowing appearance than the traditional conical form.
Cultivation Notes:
Ethnobotany:
This tree has normally been grown as a large shrub for an ornamental in landscapes.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Color:
Function:
Spread:
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Water Use:
