Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata · Evergreen, Coniferous, Softwood
Plant Family
Cupressaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Conifer, Shade Tree, Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Native species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 5 - 7; cold hardy but requires consistent soil moisture and atmospheric humidity.
About This Tree
A massive, long-lived evergreen with a tapering trunk and a dense, conical crown. Branches often pendulous with upturned ends, creating a graceful, weeping appearance.
Leaf Characteristics
Scale-like leaves arranged in flat, fan-like sprays; dark shiny green on top with whitish 'butterfly' markings on the underside. Smells like pineapple or cedar when crushed.
Bark Characteristics
Reddish-brown, thin, and fibrous. It develops long, vertical interlacing furrows and stringy ridges that peel away in long, vertical strips.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, from southern Alaska to Northern California.
Growing Season
Perennial evergreen; new growth typically begins in early spring. Pollen cones shed in spring. No dormant seasonal color change.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils. High water needs; thrives in cool, humid climates.
Mature Size
Height: 100-200 feet; Spread: 15-25 feet; Growth rate: Moderate; Lifespan: 400-1,000+ years.
Special Characteristics
Highly rot-resistant timber; essential for indigenous cultures (totem poles, canoes); aromatic foliage; excellent shade tolerance for a conifer.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides nesting sites for birds and squirrels; foliage is browsed by deer and elk. Provides critical thermal cover for wildlife in winter.