This large coniferous tree has a buttressed trunk with soft red-brown bark that sheds in strips and forms a broad conical habit. The branches sweep to the ground and self-layer and have overlapping glossy dark green scale-like leaves.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10

Thuja plicata is naturally found in North America from Alaska to California growing along river banks and around swamps and is also found on drier slopes in the mountains of British Colombia.

It is pH adaptable and grows in most well drained moderately fertile soils but will tolerate boggy conditions. It prefers a sunny to semi shaded position and is drought and frost tolerant but requires protection from cold winter winds.

Western Red Cedar is grown for its conical habit and is planted in parks and large gardens as a lawn specimen. It is also grown along borders for screening or as a wind break. 

The tree is planted for its light timber that is soft textured, red-brown in colour and is very durable outdoors with no chemical treatment. It is easy to work with and is widely used in housing construction, outdoor furniture, boats and poles and is resistant to disease. It is fast growing and establishes in 3 to 5 years. ID 231

Thuja (Thoo-ya) plicata (pli-KAH-ta)

“Thuja”, from Greek thyon, “a sacrifice” (referring to its resin, which was used as incense); “plicata”, Latin word meaning “folded” or “doubled over” - referring to the scale leaves.

Cupressaceae (kew-press-AY-see-ee)
Coniferous Trees