National Tree Week: The Oriental Thujas at Middleton Hall

Another foreign species of tree that was introduced to Middleton Hall as a specimen tree about 150 years ago, during the tenancy of Hanbury Barclay, was the oriental thuja or Platycladus orientalis.

This species is native to northern China and was first introduced to England in 1740. In China, some Taoist groups revered this tree and built temples around specimens of the tree in order to protect them from being cut down. This species, even as recently as the 19th century, was frequently used for medicinal purposes for treating warts, ringworm and thrush and its medicinal properties were confirmed in a scientific study in 2017. However, it is also very toxic if not prepared properly.

Two oriental thujas were planted at Middleton Hall on the southern edge of the Glade. One of the oriental thujas was dated to about 1880 and both were marked as present on the 1886 Ordnance Survey map. Oriental thujas grow well in the British climate, with their main environmental challenge being from harsh winters and cold winds. However, it is noted that their growth can be slowed as a result of the British climate, which is thought to be an issue in regards to the date provided for the oriental thuja at Middleton. In ideal conditions, this species can live for over 1,000 years but in unfavourable conditions it may be as little as 30.

Part of the 1924 Auction Catalogue map of the Middleton Estate, which depicts conifer trees and shows the location of the two oriental thujas on the southern edge of the Glade (one is above the l of Middleton).

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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