Comparison of Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, and Japanese Cedar

Arborvitae (Thuja spp.), Leyland cypress (xHesperotropsis leylandii), and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) are similar in outward appearance but note these differences.

arborvitae foliage — "Flat" sprays of arborvitae branches

branches of Leyland cypress — Less two-dimensional sprays of Leyland cypress

branch of Japanese cedar — Very three-dimensional spray of Japanese cedar.

close-up of arborvitae needles — Arborvitae needles are scale-like and overlapping, each with a raised gland in the center.

close-up of Leyland cypress needles — Leyland cypress needles are also scale-like and overlapping, but evenly tapered to a point.

close-up of Japanese cedar branch — Japanese cedar needles come out at all angles from the twig, and they spread outward rather than overlap.

close-up of foliage and berries of a creeping juniper — Junipers can show both sharp-pointed juvenile needles and scale-like mature needles. You won't confuse it for anything else when berries are present!

For more information, see the profiles for each of these on the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.

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Written By

Mike Munster Plant Disease Diagnostician for Commercial Ornamentals