Western Red Cedar Thuja plicata

Western red cedar is a large evergreen in the Cupressaceae family native to the pacific northwest of the United States. It is the largest tree in the cypress family and can grow 100-200 feet in the wild with girths of 23 feet. They typically reach a height of 50-70 feet with a spread of 15-25 feet and live for hundreds of years with the oldest-known specimens over 1000 years old. Mature trees exhibit a narrow to broad pyramidal shape that may develop a buttressed base. Trees growing in compact forest areas tend to develop a narrower shape whereas those with unrestricted room for growth develop a broader form. Branches may droop somewhat, with upturned ends that create a graceful appearance.

The genus name, Thuja, is a Greek name for a kind of juniper. The species epithet, plicata, is Latin and references the positioning and folding of the lateral leaves around the base of the upper surface leaves. 

Cedar wood is used as commercial timber. Its tight straight grain, fragrance, and resistance to decay make the wood useful for fences, boats, decks, outdoor furniture, telephone poles, caskets, closets, chests, and interior finishes. The growth rate is fast, typically 2-3 feet per year.

This tree will suffer in hot humid climates but may be able to grow in the NC mountains. This species grows in full sun to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0 to 8.0. It does not tolerate drought. Use as a specimen for large yards, at the edges of ponds, streams, or bogs, and for screening.

Seasons of Interest:

Bark:  Year-round   Foliage: Year-round      Fruit: Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• Conifer, evergreen, narrow, pyramidal with a buttressed base measuring 50 to 70 feet in height
• leaves are scale-like, opposite, shiny dark green, and have white butterfly or bowtie stomatal bands on the undersides of the leaf
• small rosebud-shaped, and upright cones that appear in the spring and mature in the fall

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Bagworm and some root rots may occur. These plants may struggle in the heat of North Carolina summers.  Plant in an area protected from dry winds.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Thuja.