A massive native cedar of Pacific Northwest forests.

Also called: Western Red Cedar, Pacific Red Cedar

Native status: Native to Pacific Northwest

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 30–60 m; record 71 m
Lifespan500–1,500 years
OrderCupressales
FamilyCupressaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Thuja plicata is a large evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Its common name is western redcedar. It is also less commonly called western red cedar, pacific red cedar, giant arborvitae, western arborvitae, just cedar, giant cedar, or shinglewood. It is not a true cedar of the genus Cedrus. T. plicata is the largest species in the genus Thuja, growing up to 70 metres (230 ft) tall and 7 m (23 ft) in diameter. It mostly grows in areas that experience a mild climate with plentiful rainfall, although it is sometimes present in drier areas on sites where water is available year-round, such as wet valley bottoms and mountain streamsides. The species is shade-tolerant and able to establish in forest understories and is thus considered a climax species. It is a very long-lived tree, with some specimens reaching ages of well over 1,000 years.

Source: Wikipedia — Thuja plicata Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive conifer with reddish-brown fibrous bark; scaly evergreen leaves; small woody cones.

Similar species. Other true cedars. Eastern Red Cedar (smaller; different range).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Massive Pacific Northwest cedar. Cultural cornerstone for many Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples (canoes, totem poles, longhouses, clothing).

§ Range

Pacific Northwest

§ Habitat

Pacific Northwest forests

§ Threats

Forest loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the western red cedar is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Pacific Northwest forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual