Chinese arborvitae
ExplorePlants
Chinese arborvitae
Platycladus orientalis
The Chinese arborvitae is a tall, evergreen tree that stays green all year round! It has soft, flat leaves and can grow very tall, making it a great tree for parks and gardens.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Chinese arborvitae has distinctive flattened sprays of bright green, scale-like leaves that often turn bronze in winter. Its bark is reddish-brown, peeling in strips, and the tree typically grows into an elegant, dense pyramidal or conical shape.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPinopsidaOrderPinalesFamilyCupressaceaeGenusPlatycladus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Chinese arborvitae wood is so durable, it was once used to build sturdy bridges.
Its tiny cones look like wooden roses when they open to release seeds!
Rubbing its leaves can release a surprising, pleasant, resinous scent!
This amazing tree has been planted in ancient Chinese temples for thousands of years.
Special abilities
Ability
Air Pollution Fighter
Chinese arborvitae can withstand dirty city air, helping them thrive where other trees struggle to grow.
Ability
Drought Dodger
Its special scale-like leaves help Chinese arborvitae save water, keeping it green even when dry.
Ability
Year-Round Green
This tree keeps its green foliage all winter long, providing color when other plants are bare.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 500-2000 cm
- Spread
- 200-800 cm
- Bloom Season
- Early spring (pollen cones)
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
Feeds on the tree's small, nutritious seeds
eats
Arborvitae Aphid
Cinara tujafilina
Sucks sap from the tree's new growth
shelters
.jpg&width=800)
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatus
Builds nests in its dense, protective foliage
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always stay on paths when exploring near trees and be careful not to climb too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Chinese arborvitae?
500-2000 cm
How wide does Chinese arborvitae spread?
200-800 cm
When does Chinese arborvitae bloom?
Early spring (pollen cones)
Is Chinese arborvitae edible?
No
Is Chinese arborvitae toxic?
Mild
What is Chinese arborvitae's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Chinese arborvitae pollinated?
Wind
Where is Chinese arborvitae usually found?
Urban areas
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
