SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thuja plicata 'Whipcord'

COMMON NAME: Whipcord Western Red Cedar, Western Arborvitae

GARDEN SIZE: 4-5 feet tall by 4-5 feet wide in ten years if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Moderate (up to 6-12 inches per year under ideal conditions)

USDA ZONE: 5-7

EXPOSURE: Full to Part Sun (4 or more hours of sun per day, ideally light afternoon shade)

WATER & SOIL: Average, well-drained soil; will need additional water in times of drought

HABIT (FORM): Multi-stemmed, Mounded Conifer with arching branches

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Green, finely textured scale-like needles; turns bronze in winter

PLANT ORIGIN: Western North America

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning is preferred. Late winter or early summer is best.

TOXICITY: Mildly toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. The aromatic foliage may cause digestive upset, and sap may irritate sensitive skin.

USES: Specimen plant, foundation planting, rock gardens, rain gardens, and small landscape accents