Thuja plicata

Common Names: Western Red Cedar, Giant Arborvitae, Pacific Red Cedar, British Columbia Cedar

Phonetic Spelling: THOO-yuh plih-KAY-tuh

Description

Western Red Cedar is a large, evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family. It can grow up to 70 meters (230 feet) tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 7 meters (23 feet). The bark is reddish-brown, fibrous, and can be easily peeled in long strips. Its leaves are scale-like, arranged in opposite pairs, and form flat sprays. The tree produces small, woody cones about 1 cm long, which start out green and turn brown as they mature.

Distribution/Location

Western Red Cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Its range extends from southern Alaska through British Columbia and into the Pacific Northwest of the United States, including Washington, Oregon, and northern California. It is commonly found in coastal rainforests, along riverbanks, and in wetland areas.

Environmental Concerns

Western Red Cedar is affected by several environmental threats:

1. Climate Change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can impact the growth and health of Western Red Cedar forests.
2. Pests and Diseases: Western Red Cedar is susceptible to root rot caused by fungi such as Phytophthora and Armillaria, as well as infestations by the cedar bark beetle.
3. Logging and Habitat Destruction: Extensive logging and land development reduce the natural habitat of Western Red Cedar, threatening its populations and the ecosystems it supports.

Additional Notes

• Cultural Significance: Western Red Cedar has great cultural importance to Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. It is used for constructing canoes, totem poles, and traditional longhouses, as well as for making clothing, baskets, and other items.
• Wood Properties: The wood of Western Red Cedar is lightweight, durable, and resistant to decay, making it valuable for construction, especially in outdoor applications such as shingles, siding, and decking.
• Conservation Efforts: Conservation initiatives focus on protecting old-growth forests, sustainable harvesting practices, and restoring degraded habitats to ensure the survival of Western Red Cedar and its associated ecosystems.