SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thuja plicata 'Northern Spire', PP31,298

COMMON NAME: Northern Spire Western Red Cedar, Western Arborvitae

GARDEN SIZE: 15-20 feet tall by 4-6 feet wide if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 4-9

EXPOSURE: Full Sun (6 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: Upright, Dense, Columnar

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Green, reddens 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: Screens, hedges, and windbreaks