Chinese arborvitae
Quick Summary
The Chinese arborvitae, also known as the Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis or Thuja orientalis), is an evergreen coniferous shrub or small tree native to Asia. It is characterized by its branchlets arranged in vertical planes, giving it a distinct appearance.12
Arborvitae, a genus meaning "tree of life," includes five species of resinous conifers in the cypress family. These trees or shrubs typically have a pyramidal shape, with thin, scaling bark and fibrous inner bark. Their branches are horizontal or ascending, and their branchlet systems are flattened and spraylike, with tiny, scalelike leaves.2
The Chinese arborvitae is a popular ornamental plant, growing to about 10 meters (33 feet) tall. Some botanists classify it in its own genus, Biota, due to its erect branches, fan-like branchlet systems, and unique cone scales. Arborvitae wood is soft, light, durable, fragrant, and easy to work with, making it valuable for timber.2
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