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EXPLORE > PLANTS > GYMNOSPERMS
Thuja plicata
This tree is alternately known as the Pacific redcedar and giant redcedar. Despite its various common names, however, it is not a true cedar within the genus Cedrus but actually belongs to the cypress family.
Western redcedars can exceed 230 feet (70 m) in height with exceptionally large trunks, measuring up to 13 feet (4 m) in diameter. Their crowns are typically rounded but with a rough, scraggly contour, which depending on the density of the forest, may reach toward the ground or be located just at the top of the trunk. The foliage grows in flat green sprays, which consist of small scaly leaves. The cones are also small, measuring less than an inch, with overlapping scales which range from yellow-green to brown depending on their maturity. The redcedar is also an extremely long-lived tree with the oldest recorded specimen being over 1,400 years in age.
The wood’s beauty and durability have made it a popular building material for both historic and modern populations in the Pacific Northwest. Native Americans may have used it to construct houses, totem poles, crafts and utensils for thousands of years. The fibrous bark can be stripped off the tree by hand and has been used to weave rope, baskets and even clothing. Modern uses include construction material for outdoor decks, roof shingles and house siding. Because it is lightweight, redcedar has also been used to build boats and ships.
Distribution
The tree is most common in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon with a smaller range in northern California. It is extremely widespread within its range and is closely associated with forests where Douglas-fir and western hemlock occur. It is adaptable to a range of elevations and can be found from sea level to snowy heights up to 7,500 feet (2,286 m). They are also common in riparian areas.
Conservation Status
Common.
Thuja plicata
This tree is alternately known as the Pacific redcedar and giant redcedar. Despite its various common names, however, it is not a true cedar within the genus Cedrus but actually belongs to the cypress family.
Western redcedars can exceed 230 feet (70 m) in height with exceptionally large trunks, measuring up to 13 feet (4 m) in diameter. Their crowns are typically rounded but with a rough, scraggly contour, which depending on the density of the forest, may reach toward the ground or be located just at the top of the trunk. The foliage grows in flat green sprays, which consist of small scaly leaves. The cones are also small, measuring less than an inch, with overlapping scales which range from yellow-green to brown depending on their maturity. The redcedar is also an extremely long-lived tree with the oldest recorded specimen being over 1,400 years in age.
The wood’s beauty and durability have made it a popular building material for both historic and modern populations in the Pacific Northwest. Native Americans may have used it to construct houses, totem poles, crafts and utensils for thousands of years. The fibrous bark can be stripped off the tree by hand and has been used to weave rope, baskets and even clothing. Modern uses include construction material for outdoor decks, roof shingles and house siding. Because it is lightweight, redcedar has also been used to build boats and ships.
Distribution
The tree is most common in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon with a smaller range in northern California. It is extremely widespread within its range and is closely associated with forests where Douglas-fir and western hemlock occur. It is adaptable to a range of elevations and can be found from sea level to snowy heights up to 7,500 feet (2,286 m). They are also common in riparian areas.
Conservation Status
Common.
