Thuja occidentalis

Other names: American Arbor-Vitae, Arborvitae, Eastern Arborvitae, Siberian Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar

The western dogwood (Thuja occidentalis) is an evergreen coniferous tree native to northern parts of North America. Due to its distinctive ornamental qualities, it is often used as a park or ornamental tree. It is characterised by its conical crown shape, with overhanging branches and small needle-like spreading foliage. A typical characteristic of the western zerav is its conspicuous cones, which are scaled and contain seeds with wings. The age of this wood is often around 200 years, but some specimens can reach an age of up to 400 years.

In addition to its importance as an ornamental plant, the Western Zerave is also used in industry. Its wood is very rot-resistant, hard, strong and easy to work, making it suitable for furniture, construction and the manufacture of various wooden objects. It is also often used for fencing due to its resistance to rot and mould. Its resin has antiseptic properties and is used in medicine. Western zerav is also used in food and perfumery, where it is used to extract an essential oil known as thuja oil, which is used for its pleasant scent and medicinal properties.