Eastern White Cedar

Eastern White Cedar

Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis. a Zone 3 tolerant plant growing best in full sun to partial shade, and reaching 20-40′ tall/10-20′ wide. Frequently referred to as  Arborvitae, (Tree of Life) because the Native Americans and early European explorers used the foliage  – which is rich in vitamin C – to treat scurvy.

White Cedar is a commonly occurring tree of the northern forests, where several species of birds feast on the fruits or use the dense branches for cover. Since it is most often associated with cool, moist, nutrient-rich sites, White Cedar may need extra care in southern MN areas.

Flower buds form in autumn and expand the following spring. Cones are full grown by mid-August, ripen in August and September.  Woody scales of mature female cones enclose double-winged seeds which are released the year after development.

Eastern Wahoo

Eastern Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpurea)

Size: 8-15′ tall/6-15′ wide.

Sometimes referred to as “burning bush”, the name ‘Wahoo’ is derived from the Native American Otoe word meaning arrowwood. It’s a native plant that can be grown into a large shrub or small tree, up to 15 feet tall, or trimmed to maintain a lower height. The branches are gray to dark brown with ridges or scales, like the non-native winged Euonymus or “burning bush” plants. Wahoo plants produce crimson-red, fleshy fruit in four-lobed capsules that attract a wide variety of birds. The fruit remains on the plant all winter. People are drawn to its outstanding fall color of pink to deep red leaves. It is an adaptable plant, able to withstand hot, dry conditions along with moist and cool conditions. Grows in full sun to part shade. Older, specimen plants will develop horizontal branching. Great for naturalized plantings.

NOTE:  In some states, Eastern Wahoo is considered an invasive, or potentially invasive species.