Thuja plicata · Cupressaceae (cypress family)
Western red cedar is known to many Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast as the “tree of life”. It is British Columbia’s official tree.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Thuja plicata |
| Family | Cupressaceae (cypress family) |
| Native range | Pacific Northwest, from southeast Alaska to northern California, and inland to Montana |
| Habitat | Moist, shaded lowland and mountain forests |
| Typical height | 45–70 m |
| Lifespan | Often over 1,000 years |
| IUCN status | Least Concern (LC) |
Overview
This large cedar thrives in wet, shady forests and can grow huge trunks — some exceed 4 m in diameter. It is a defining species of the temperate rainforests of British Columbia and Washington.
How to identify it
Look for drooping, fern-like sprays of flat, scale-like leaves that show white “bow-tie” markings underneath. The bark is reddish-brown, thin and peels in long, fibrous strips. Crushed foliage smells sweet and spicy.
Uses and culture
For thousands of years, coastal First Nations have used red cedar for canoes, longhouses, totem poles, clothing, baskets and rope. Its wood is light, fragrant and naturally resistant to rot, making it popular for decks, shingles and siding.
Ecology
Fallen cedars decay slowly and become “nurse logs” that host seedlings of other trees for centuries. The species is listed as Least Concern, but very old cedars are increasingly stressed by hotter, drier summers.
