Thuja occidentalis (Northern white cedar) Cupressaceae (Cedar family)
		This northern white cedar is located on the south bank of Lake LaVerne, near the east end of the lake. (Music Hall is in the background of this photograph.)
	This species is also called the eastern arborvitae, the "tree of life." The northern white cedar is native to southeastern Canada, the Great Lakes states and New England. It is planted throughout Iowa. This species requires abundant soil moisture, atmospheric moisture and full sun. It occurs at lower elevations in swamps or along lakeshores. It prefers neutral or alkaline soils, but is tolerant of acidic soils, and once established, can survive heat and drought. The northern white cedar is a slow- to medium-grower, and grows well in regions with high snowfall. It responds well to pruning and is often used as a hedge or foundation planting. In northeast Iowa it is sometimes used as a windbreak.
Trees by botanical name Trees by common name