Is Thuja the Same as Cedar ?
When it comes to the interrogation of whether Thuja is the same as cedar , it can be a bit confusing . While Thuja is commonly referred to as cedar tree , it is not in reality a honest cedar . The name “ cedar ” is often used as a common name for many unlike tree diagram species that belong to to various plant families .
genus Thuja is a genus of evergreen cone-bearing tree in the cypress family Cupressaceae . The most common species within this genus is Thuja occidentalis , also know as northern white - cedar tree or easterly bloodless - cedar . It is native to eastern Canada and parts of the north - central and northeast United States .
True cedars , on the other hand , belong to the genus Cedrus and are native to the Mediterranean region and part of the Himalayas . These admit species like Cedrus atlantica , Cedrus deodara , and Cedrus libani . truthful cedars are also coniferous trees but belong to a different works family called Pinaceae .
While Thuja and true cedars are not the same , they do share some similarities . Both Thuja and true cedars are evergreen trees , meaning they keep their foliage throughout the yr . They both have redolent Sir Henry Wood and bring forth small cones . However , there are decided differences between the two .
One noticeable deviation is in their appearance . genus Thuja trees typically have a slender , pyramidal shape with easy , shell - similar foliage that is green or scandalmongering - K in color . The bark of Thuja trees is reddish - brown and often peels off in strips . lawful cedar , on the other hand , have a more conelike shape with needle - same foliage that ranges in color from green to depressed - jet . The bark of true cedars is often grayish - brown and develops inscrutable furrows with age .
In term of their function , Thuja and straight cedars have dissimilar attribute and applications . genus Thuja is wide cultivated as an ornamental works in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive foliation and shape . It is often used as a hedge , screen , or as a specimen tree . Thuja Sir Henry Joseph Wood is also used for various purpose , including fencing posts , shingles , and even for making essential oils .
True cedar , on the other hand , are highly rate for their durable and fragrant wood . They are often used in construction , article of furniture - making , and as ornamental Natalie Wood . The wood of true true cedar is known for its electric resistance to decay and insect price .
While Thuja is commonly referred to as cedar tree , it is not a reliable cedar . Thuja belongs to the genus Thuja in the cypress syndicate Cupressaceae , while unfeigned cedar go to the genus Cedrus in the pine family Pinaceae . Thuja and dead on target cedars have some similarity in terms of being evergreen plant trees with aromatic wood , but they differ in appearance and uses .
Caroline Bates
