Cedar Trees in Ontario
Two types of cedars grow in the province of Ontario: the Eastern white cedar and the Eastern red cedar. Both of these trees are natives of the area. While Eastern white cedar is truly a cedar tree, Eastern red cedar is actually a member of the juniper family and not a cedar at all. Both of these trees thrive in Ontario, making them great choices for gardens and landscapes across the province.
Eastern White Cedar
Eastern white cedar, also referred to as Arborvitae and Northern white cedar, is typically found in rocky and wet areas. These cedars live to be hundreds of years old (some live for over 1,000 years). This small tree grows up to 40 feet in height, with arching branches forming a conical shape.
- Two types of cedars grow in the province of Ontario: the Eastern white cedar and the Eastern red cedar.
Eastern Red Cedar
Also referred to as red juniper and eastern juniper, this tree typically grows up to 40 feet in height, but can grow as high as 90 feet. The fragrant, scale-like foliage tends to be rather coarse. Tiny blue fruits appear on the female trees. The tree’s resistance to drought, heat and cold make it a popular tree wherever it is grown.
Uses
Eastern red cedar is primarily known for its use in fence lines, shingles, furniture and cedar chests. However, the tree’s twigs are also used for tea. These trees were also used to build boats, especially when the province was first colonized. The essential oils in the plant have been used in soaps, cleansers and insecticides.
- Also referred to as red juniper and eastern juniper, this tree typically grows up to 40 feet in height, but can grow as high as 90 feet.
- However, the tree’s twigs are also used for tea.
Cedar Trees
A native of the Himalayas, deodar cedar is an imposing tree that may grow to heights of 150 feet in the wild, though in cultivation it typically peaks out at about 50 feet. The tree offers rich green, aromatic foliage and broad, spreading branches. Both trees can be grown in containers (so long as the pot has a hole in the bottom for drainage), which helps to inhibit growth. Deodar cultivars include "Pygmy," a mounding dwarf with bluish green foliage, and the weeping "Prostrata," which rarely exceeds a height of 10 feet. Small potted trees can be decorated with ornaments and lights and placed on either side of a doorway for a truly festive, and aromatic, ambience. Those wanting to go the extra mile can plant other Christmas-like plants such as hollies (Ilex spp. ),
- A native of the Himalayas, deodar cedar is an imposing tree that may grow to heights of 150 feet in the wild, though in cultivation it typically peaks out at about 50 feet.
- Deodar cultivars include "Pygmy," a mounding dwarf with bluish green foliage, and the weeping "Prostrata," which rarely exceeds a height of 10 feet.
Related Articles
References
- Ontario Trees and Shrubs: Eastern White Cedar
- Ontario Trees and Shrubs: Eastern Red Cedar
- Boreal Forest: Eastern White Cedar
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Cedars, Cedrus spp.
- Plants for a Future: Cedrus Atlantica
- Floridata: Cedrus Deodara
- Floridata: Cedrus Atlantica
- East Tennessee State University: Tree of the Week
- Plants for a Future: Cedrus Deodara Deodar
- Monrovia: Deodar Cedar
Resources
Writer Bio
Nancy Wagner is a marketing strategist and speaker who started writing in 1998. She writes business plans for startups and established companies and teaches marketing and promotional tactics at local workshops. Wagner's business and marketing articles have appeared in "Home Business Journal," "Nation’s Business," "Emerging Business" and "The Mortgage Press," among others. She holds a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University.
