western red cedar
Also known as: British Columbia cedar; Californian white cedar; giant arbor-vitae; Nootka Sound arbor-vitae; western arbor-vitae; yellow cypress
A large, evergreen, narrowly-pyramidal tree reaching an ultimate height of up to 35m. Aromatic, glossy, scale-like, sharply-pointed leaves are held in large drooping sprays on spreading branches that curve upwards at the end. Cones are egg-shaped and around 1.3cm long
Scientific classification
- Species
- western red cedar (Thuja plicata)
- Genus
- Thuja
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Harmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
- Toxicity
- Conifers · Trees
- Plant type
- Higher than 12 metres
- Height
- wider than 8 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Columnar upright
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
western red cedar pictures
Distribution of western red cedar
Distribution map
Western North America
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Culture
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Toxicity
Harmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
Quick identification of western red cedar
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western red cedar care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningNone required, unless grown as a hedge
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Growing
GrowingGrows best in moist but well-drained soil. Protect from drying winds especially when young. Suitable for hedging or screening
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus and other fungal diseases, particularly thuja blight and Coryneum canker (see conifers: brown patches)
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and conifer aphid
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