Seeds of Ancient Tree-Form Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

🌲 Seeds of Ancient Tree-Form Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Ancient western arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a long-lived historical conifer that can still be found throughout Europe near old homesteads, manor parks, cemeteries, and historic gardens. Unlike modern hedge arborvitae varieties, the ancient tree-form arborvitae develops a loose, natural crown and over time grows into a true tree with a strong trunk and a distinctive silhouette in the landscape.

These arborvitae seeds were collected from an old homestead tree that has grown naturally for many decades without pruning. Arborvitae grown from seed are not identical clones — each young tree develops its own individual growth form and crown architecture. This is exactly how the old majestic arborvitae trees, still found today in historic parks and old homesteads, originally came into being.

Ancient tree-form arborvitae is suitable for those who are not looking for a fast-growing hedge, but for a long-lived and distinctive tree with history and a natural presence in the garden.

🌱 Characteristics

• Latin name: Thuja occidentalis
• Plant type: evergreen conifer
• Height: 5–15 m, occasionally even larger
• Crown: natural, loose, becoming tree-like with age
• Foliage: dark green and aromatic
• Fruit: small brown cones containing seeds
• Lifespan: 100+ years in suitable conditions

Over time, ancient tree-form arborvitae becomes an impressive landscape tree that remains decorative throughout all seasons.

📜 History

Western arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a relatively old “visitor” to Europe, closely connected to manor parks, historic garden fashion, and dendrology.

Its origins lie in North America — southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States — where arborvitae grows:
• in swamp forests,
• along rivers,
• in moist soils.

In nature, these trees can grow very large and ancient. Some arborvitae in North America live for several hundred years.

Arborvitae Arrives in Europe

Arborvitae was introduced to Europe around the 16th century — first in France, later in Germany and other parts of Europe. It became one of the first North American conifer species planted in European parks.

During the Renaissance and later in Baroque gardens, arborvitae became popular because:
• it was evergreen,
• tolerated pruning well,
• and at the time appeared exotic and unusual.

The Aesthetic of Old Arborvitae Trees

During the 18th and 19th centuries, arborvitae was widely planted in manor parks and near country homes, when English-style landscape parks became fashionable across Europe.

At that time, arborvitae was not yet viewed as a hedge plant.

It was planted as:
• a specimen tree,
• a landscape accent,
• a windbreak,
• and a decorative tree.

This is why old arborvitae trees look so different from modern plantings:
• they have a distinct trunk,
• a loose crown,
• and a much more natural growth habit.

Arborvitae Near Old Homes

At the beginning of the 19th and 20th centuries, arborvitae also became a symbol of a prosperous and well-kept homestead.

It was often planted:
• near house entrances,
• beside verandas,
• along farm roads,
• in cemeteries and quiet gardens.

People valued arborvitae because it:
• stayed green throughout the year,
• was hardy,
• and symbolized long life, peace, health, and prosperity.

In many homes, arborvitae was planted during important life moments — when building a house, creating a garden, or celebrating the birth of a child.

Ancient Arborvitae Today

Today arborvitae is most commonly associated with dense hedges and standardized varieties such as ‘Smaragd’.

But old tree-form arborvitae has a completely different aesthetic.

These are not “green walls”, but true landscape trees — freely growing, long-lived, and individual.

Some ancient arborvitae trees still growing near old homes and manor parks may be more than 100–150 years old.

🌱 Healing Traditions and Traditional Uses

The Indigenous peoples of North America used western arborvitae medicinally for centuries. Europeans learned about the tree’s healing properties from them, and later arborvitae became known as Arbor vitae — “Tree of Life”.

Traditionally arborvitae was used for:
• teas and herbal decoctions,
• bathhouse and purification rituals,
• aromatic smoke,
• and external use in folk medicine.

Arborvitae foliage contains aromatic essential oils, and in the past it was believed that the tree helped purify the air and create a peaceful atmosphere.

Important: arborvitae contains an active compound called thujone. Therefore, it should not be used internally without proper knowledge or professional experience.

🌍 Growing from Seed in Europe

❄️ Northern Europe

• Sowing: autumn or early spring
• Stratification: recommended for 1–2 months in cool conditions
• Germination: spring or early summer
• Important: consistent moisture and good air circulation

Cooler and more humid climates are very suitable for western arborvitae.

☀️ Southern Europe

• Sowing: autumn or winter in containers
• Stratification: controlled cold treatment recommended
• Main challenge: drought and hot summers
• Young plants: should be grown in partial shade and protected from drying out

In warmer regions, arborvitae requires more stable moisture and protection from intense sun.

🌾 Soil Requirements

Ancient tree-form arborvitae prefers:
• deep, moisture-retaining soil,
• good drainage,
• slightly acidic or neutral soil,
• and consistent moisture without prolonged drought.

Recommended soil mix:

• 50% garden soil or compost
• 30% peat or leaf compost
• 20% sand or perlite

Important: arborvitae does not like extremely dry or heavily alkaline soil.

🌱 Sowing the Seeds

• Sowing depth: approximately 0.5–1 cm
• Seeds require lightly moist substrate
• The substrate should never dry out completely

Germination may be uneven. Some seeds sprout quickly, while others only germinate after a longer cold period. Patience is an important part of growing an ancient tree from seed.

💧 Caring for Young Seedlings

• Young plants should be protected from prolonged drought
• Light partial shade is recommended during the first years
• Mulching helps maintain stable moisture
• Planting into a permanent location is recommended after 2–3 years

To develop a true tree-form arborvitae, the plant should not be regularly pruned.

🌿 Companion Plants

Ancient tree-form arborvitae grows best in places with space, calm surroundings, and stable moisture. It pairs well with plants that enjoy similar conditions and do not create aggressive root competition.

Good companions:

• oaks — create light shade and a natural landscape feeling,
• ferns — help maintain a woodland atmosphere and moisture,
• hostas — grow well in the partial shade created by arborvitae,
• junipers — visually and biologically compatible with arborvitae,
• woodland plants — help create a natural and harmonious environment.

Poor companions:

• birches — aggressively consume moisture from the soil,
• maples — create dense shade and strong root competition,
• very dense hedges — restrict airflow and may encourage moisture stagnation.

Old tree-form arborvitae looks best in open plantings where it can fully develop its natural crown and tree shape.

⏳ How Fast Does Ancient Tree-Form Arborvitae Grow?

Ancient tree-form arborvitae grows slowly and becomes increasingly impressive with age. The first pronounced tree-like forms usually begin to appear after 15–25 years, while the appearance of a truly old tree develops over several decades.

This is a tree for people who value:
• longevity,
• natural growth form,
• historic landscape aesthetics,
• and slow, steady growth.

✔️ Summary

Ancient tree-form arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a historic, long-lived conifer with a natural growth form and a special place in the history of European gardens and parks. Unlike modern arborvitae cultivars, ancient tree-form arborvitae eventually becomes a true landscape tree — individual, majestic, and long-lived.

These seeds are suitable for collectors, dendrology enthusiasts, and creators of natural gardens who are looking for something far more distinctive than a classic hedge arborvitae.

Seeds per package: 10 pcs.
Author: Heart Garden Studio