American arborvitae Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup'

Names

• Family

  Cupressaceae

• Synonyms

  Eastern Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, American Arborvitae, Eastern White Cedar, Arborvitae

• Common names

  Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup' is Arborvitae. Arborvitae is considered to have a certain level of toxicity to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as thujone, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, asthma-like reactions, or skin irritation. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to muscular weakness, convulsions, or even seizures. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of the Arborvitae plant and to supervise children and pets around it.

• To pets

  The common name for Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup' is Arborvitae. Arborvitae is toxic to pets if ingested. It contains compounds that can be harmful, such as thujone, which can affect the nervous system. Symptoms of Arborvitae poisoning in pets can range from gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, to more serious neurological symptoms like seizures or muscular weakness. If a pet ingests part of an Arborvitae plant, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Height

  5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  2-7

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Low Maintenance: The plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and attention once established.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is quite resilient to periods of low rainfall, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
• Cold Resistant: This cultivar is hardy in cold climates, making it a good choice for Northern gardens.
• Evergreen Foliage: It retains its foliage throughout the year, providing persistent greenery and color even during winter.
• Privacy Screen: The dense growth habit is ideal for creating living privacy screens or hedges.
• Windbreak: The plant can be used as an effective windbreak, protecting other plants and areas from strong winds.
• Architectural Structure: Its conical shape adds architectural interest to landscape designs.
• Wildlife Habitat: Can provide shelter for birds and other wildlife within its branches.
• Adaptable: It can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.

Medical Properties

• Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Northern White Cedar, has been traditionally used for its essential oil which is considered to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen phlegm in the respiratory tract.
• The plant has been used in homeopathy to treat skin conditions such as warts and polyps.
• Its anti-rheumatic properties have been noted, where it has been used to soothe rheumatic pain.
• It has been associated with immunostimulant effects, potentially supporting the body's defense mechanisms.
• Antiviral properties have been observed, particularly in traditional medicine, to tackle certain virus-induced conditions.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Woodcraft: The wood of the Arborvitae 'Holmstrup' is soft, making it suitable for carving and small woodworking projects.
• Sound barrier: The dense growth habit of 'Holmstrup' Arborvitae makes it suitable for planting as a sound barrier to reduce noise pollution.
• Privacy hedge: This Arborvitae variety is often used to create tall, dense hedges that can provide privacy in suburban gardens.
• Windbreak: Its sturdy and compact growth habit allows 'Holmstrup' Arborvitae to act as a windbreak, protecting smaller plants and garden areas.
• Erosion Control: When planted on slopes, the root system of 'Holmstrup' can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
• Topiary: The plant can be pruned into various shapes for ornamental purposes, making it a good candidate for topiary gardens.
• Wildlife Shelter: Birds and other small wildlife may use 'Holmstrup' Arborvitae as shelter from predators and inclement weather.
• Cultural Significance: In some cultures, Arborvitae is planted in cemeteries and is associated with eternal life, given its evergreen nature.
• Outdoor classrooms: They can be used in schools for outdoor learning spaces, serving as natural walls for outdoor 'classrooms'.
• Seasonal decoration: Boughs from 'Holmstrup' Arborvitae can be used for holiday decorations such as wreaths and garlands.

Feng Shui

The Arborvitae is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Arborvitae is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Everlasting Life: As an evergreen, the Arborvitae is often associated with immortality or eternal life because it maintains its green foliage throughout the year.
• Protection: The Arborvitae has been traditionally used to create hedges and living fences, symbolizing protection, privacy, and boundary-setting.
• Health: Because of its therapeutic properties and use in traditional medicine, Arborvitae can imply health and healing.
• Privacy: With its dense growth habit, Arborvitae represents the desire for seclusion and private space.
• Resilience: The hardiness and adaptability of Arborvitae to different soil types and environments signify resilience and perseverance.