This tree is known for its elegant, weeping branches that create a graceful, cascading effect. Its dark green foliage is dense and finely textured, providing excellent year-round coverage. The tree's narrow, pyramidal shape makes it a striking focal point in urban landscapes. It thrives in cooler climates and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. This tree also offers a pleasant, subtle fragrance that adds to its appeal. Perfect for adding vertical interest, it is often used in parks and large gardens where space allows it to reach its full height.
Native range: Western North AmericaSchoolyard Use: This tree’s scale-like leaves and peltate cone structures can provide an introduction to conifer anatomy and start discussions about ethnobotany and climate change. This tree was used extensively by indigenous peoples throughout its range for canoe paddles, baskets, and thread. The tree is also being adversely impacted by climate change. Due to thinner snowpacks from warming global temperatures, stands of Alaska Yellow Cedar have been more susceptible to freezing. This has caused large-scale dieoffs in many Yellow Cedar communities.