Wintergreen Arborvitae

Wintergreen Arborvitae is a narrow and conical variety of Thuja occidentalis with dense, almost fluffy bright green foliage, making it an excellent option for screening, tall hedges, or windbreaks. This particular arborvitae stays green throughout the year, with less bronzing or discoloration common amongst other varieties. Growing up to two feet per year, Wintergreen is fast-growing and while it prefers full sun, it has better shade tolerance than others.

You may also know this plant as Hetz Wintergreen.

The genus name Thuja is Greek for “a kind of juniper,” while the specific epithet occidentalis means “from the Western (Occidental) world.” F.C. Hetz and Fairview Evergreen Nursery discovered a seedling of Hetz Wintergreen in the 1940s and it has remained a popular choice since that time.

Thuja occidentalis in general was used by several Indigenous tribes for several purposes. The Chippewa burned twigs for incense in ceremonies and parts of the plant were used as a deodorant and to perfume clothing. A compound of leaves was used as cough syrup and leaves were brewed to make hot tea. Wood was used to make canoe ribs, toboggans, and spears for fishing sturgeon. The Cree used a decoction of branches to treat pneumonia and a vapor bath to treat a variety of ailments. Crushed branches were used by the Algonquin to ease toothaches and a poultice of powdered, rotten wood was used on rashes.