SelecTree: Tree Detail
WESTERN RED CEDAR
Thuja plicata
Photo Locations: Washington Park Arboretum - Seattle, WA, Cal Poly State University - San Luis Obispo, CA, Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden - Berkeley, CA, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden - Claremont, CA, Hoyt Arboretum - Portland, OR and Arnold Arboretum - Boston, MA
General Notes
Has fragrant Bark and Leaf.
Native to Northern Coastal California.
A Thuja plicata in Arcata Community Forest - Jacoby Creek is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 152 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 366 inches and a crown spread of 75 feet.
Family: Cupressaceae
Tree Characteristics
Erect and requires ample growing space.
Conical Shape.
Has Evergreen foliage.
Height: 50 - 70 feet.
Width: 15 - 25 feet.
Growth Rate: 24 to 36 Inches per Year.
Longevity Greater than 150 years.
Leaves Scalelike, Dark Green, No Change, Evergreen.
Flowers in Spring. Has separate male and female reproductive parts on the same tree (monoecious).
Brown Cone, Small (0.25 - 0.50 inches), fruiting in Summer or Fall.
Bark Light Gray or Red Brown, Exfoliating, Fibrous or Striated.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 1 - 9 and 14 - 24.
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 - 8.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Moist Soil.
Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
Highly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Moderate on Coast.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Beetle Borers, Leaf Miner and Spider Mites, Armillaria and Root Rot.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Moderate.
None Known Health Hazard.
Biogenic Emissions considered Low.
Fire Resistance is Unfavorable.
Desirable Wildlife Plant.
Deer Palatable.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Thuja plicata Tree Record." 1995-2020. Aug 9, 2020.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/thuja-plicata >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.