Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’ (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’ is a highly popular cultivar of the Arborvitae, renowned for its dense growth and columnar form.

Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’: An In-depth Look

‘American Pillar’ stands out with its upright, narrow, and columnar shape. It’s known for its dense, rich green foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year.

Native: Thuja occidentalis is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This species naturally occurs in wet forests, swamps, and along lake shores, thriving in cool, moist, well-drained environments.

Plant Type and Habit: It is an evergreen conifer with a distinctly tall and narrow growth habit. This makes it an excellent choice for creating vertical accents in landscapes.

Size: ‘American Pillar’ can reach up to 20-30 feet in height (6-9 meters) and about 3-5 feet in width (90-150 cm), making it an ideal choice for areas where space is limited but vertical height is desired. Can grow up to 2 feet per year (60 cm) under ideal conditions.

Foliage: The foliage consists of flat, scale-like leaves that are a bright green color. The dense arrangement of the foliage creates a lush, textured appearance. When you bruise the foliage, it gives off a very pleasant fragrance reminiscent of citrus. Foliage tends to turn greenish-brown (burn) in winter from desiccation and/or quick temperature changes.

Bark: The bark is reddish-brown, relatively smooth, and becomes more textured with age.

Uses: Commonly used for privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, or as a specimen plant. Its narrow form is particularly useful in urban gardens or confined spaces.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, it can withstand cold winters and a range of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: American arborvitae provides nesting sites for songbirds, as well as cover, especially in the winter, for deer, which both feed on the branches and use them for shelter from the cold.

Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Deer and Rabbit: May suffer some damage from deer and rabbits, especially in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Invasiveness: ‘American Pillar’ is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planted boundaries.

Benefits: Offers an easy-to-maintain, year-round green presence in the landscape. Its fast growth rate and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for creating quick privacy screens.

American Arborvitae Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Full sun exposure leads to denser foliage growth. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Protect from drying winds, especially when young.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Tolerates clay soils.

Water: Regular watering is important, especially for young plants and in dry conditions. Avoid extreme dry soil in the fall, which can cause the evergreen foliage to dry out in winter.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so follow the recommended rates.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune for shaping or size control in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning.

Mulch: Provide a generous root zone mulch.

Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Leaf tips may suffer damage from leaf miners. Canker can sometimes pose a problem. Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation and proper planting depth help prevent these issues.