Northern white cedar trees is one of the more wet-tolerant tree species. It can thrive on the edge of riverbanks and swamps. Growing in such tough conditions has it’s tradeoffs though. It is a slow grower and will max out at 30-40 feet tall in a cone or pyramid shape reaching up to 15 feet in diameter. It will grow larger in full sun and a well-drained soil but can adapt to less-than-ideal conditions.

It is best that young seedlings are protected for a number of years as they can be a preferred browse of deer. Once the tree can get established, it will provide excellent cover for nesting birds. And its seeds provide great food for squirrels and birds.

White cedar has been known to live for over 800 years in the forest ecosystem!