Western Redcedar
Thuja plicata
Also listed as Libocedrus craigiana, Libocedrus gigantea
Also known as Pacific Redcedar, Canoe Cedar, Shingle Cedar
Climate Match for your location
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A tall, narrow evergreen conifer with soft, feathery foliage that ranges from green to bronze depending on the season. Prized for its graceful pyramidal form and aromatic wood, it tolerates wet soils and is valuable as a windbreak or privacy screen.
Why grow it
Western redcedar outperforms many conifers in wet, poorly drained soils where species like eastern white pine struggle, making it valuable for riparian zones or sites with seasonal flooding. Its dense branching and rapid growth create effective windbreaks and screens faster than slower-growing alternatives. The wood's natural rot resistance and pleasant aroma have made it a traditional choice for siding, shingles, and outdoor structures, though this aesthetic value is secondary to its functional growing characteristics.
Watch out for
Plant in areas with good air circulation to reduce susceptibility to fungal issues in humid climates. Western redcedar can become chlorotic (yellowing) in strongly alkaline soils, so a soil test before planting helps determine if pH amendment is needed. Deer may browse young foliage in areas with high deer populations, requiring protective measures for establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (British Columbia to California)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tall, narrow evergreen conifer with soft, feathery foliage that ranges from green to bronze depending on the season. Prized for its graceful pyramidal form and aromatic wood, it tolerates wet soils and is valuable as a windbreak or privacy screen.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Redcedar grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Western redcedar outperforms many conifers in wet, poorly drained soils where species like eastern white pine struggle, making it valuable for riparian zones or sites with seasonal flooding. Its dense branching and rapid growth create effective windbreaks and screens faster than slower-growing alternatives. The wood's natural rot resistance and pleasant aroma have made it a traditional choice for siding, shingles, and outdoor structures, though this aesthetic value is secondary to its functional growing characteristics.
Watch out for
Plant in areas with good air circulation to reduce susceptibility to fungal issues in humid climates. Western redcedar can become chlorotic (yellowing) in strongly alkaline soils, so a soil test before planting helps determine if pH amendment is needed. Deer may browse young foliage in areas with high deer populations, requiring protective measures for establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest (British Columbia to California)
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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