Thuja occidentalis #3 (American Arborvitae)

American Arborvitae, also called White Cedar, is a reliable, adaptable and wildly popular native evergreen tree. It has a dense, conical growth habit that can reach heights of 20-40′ in cultivation, but it is capable of growing much larger in the wild under ideal conditions. Its preference is for consistently moist but well-draining soil, full sun and protection from harsh, drying winds. It is very tolerant of wet, clay, high pH soils and air pollution. American Arborvitaes are commonly used for foundation plantings, screening or hedging, or as an evergreen accent or backdrop.

American Arborvitaes provide protection for many wild creatures during the winter months due to their dense branching structure and evergreen nature. They offer plentiful nesting sites and shelter for migratory bird species. The cones and seeds are eaten by red squirrels, juncos, sparrows and Pine Siskins, among others. They are host to at least 50 species* of Lepidoptera and many other insects that support the complex food web including ants, beetles and plant bugs that attract woodpeckers and other insectivorous birds. These trees are unfortunately highly susceptible to winter deer browse, so some protection may be necessary until it grows beyond their reach.

Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
*Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees by Charlotte Adelman & Bernard L. Schwartz
Missouri Botanical Garden
Illinois Wildflowers