Western Redcedar
Thuja plicata · Evergreen Coniferous Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Conifer / Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8
About This Tree
Large evergreen conifer featuring a massive, often multi-stemmed or buttressed base, conical to irregular crown with gracefully pendulous branchlets, and dense, aromatic foliage
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like leaves arranged in flat, braided sprays, glossy green above with whitish stomatal bands underneath, highly aromatic when crushed
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown bark that peels off in long, fibrous vertical strips or thin plates, becoming deeply furrowed on very old trees
Growing Information
Origin Region
Pacific Northwest of North America
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage; produces small cones in late summer maturing in autumn; active growth in spring and summer
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained soils; moderate drought tolerance once established but thrives in high moisture
Mature Size
Can reach heights of 50 to 200 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet, growing at a slow to moderate rate with a very long lifespan exceeding several centuries
Special Characteristics
Exceptional natural decay resistance of the timber, highly valued for construction, siding, and shakes, with aromatic foliage and durable wood
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial winter cover and thermal protection for big game, nesting sites for birds, and browse for various mammals in its native range