Western Redcedar—Tree of Life

Information

The western redcedar is truly an icon of the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps above all, this tree symbolizes the deep connection between nature and humans. Called the “tree of life” because of its extraordinary generosity of uses, this tree is deeply respected by Pacific NW Indigenous Peoples.

Western redcedar (Thuja plicata)

western red cedar needles and green cones — Thuja plicata (Western Redcedar), Squamish, British Columbia 1" by gabe_schp is marked with CC0 1.0

Distribution

The western redcedar is one of the most widespread trees in our area. They range from eastern Alaska down to northern California. In Oregon and Washington, they cover the Coast range and the western side of the Cascades. Western redcedars can reach upwards of 200 feet and live thousands of years. Western redcedars naturally grow only where rainfall exceeds 28 inches annually. Luckily for us, this is no problem in our area.

Seeds, Cones, Bark

close up of Western redcedar bark — Thuja bark Łazienki.JPG" by Crusier is licensed under CC BY 3.0.

The seed cones are small, about ½ inch, and look somewhat like tightly closed roses before fully opening. The clustered green cones ripen to brown in about six months.

The word “plicata” means plaited in Latin. This refers to the way each section of the needles fold over each other, much like a plaited braid. Look closely to see this unique design; it is a great way to identify your tree.

The most recognizable marker about the western redcedar is its bark. It is brownish red and fibrous and can be peeled off in long strips. Indeed, the bark is an important resource for Pacific Northwest First Peoples for a great many items.

Indigenous People's Use of Western Redcedar

wester redcedar grove — Look at all that lovely shade! Thuja plicata - Curonian Spit National Park - 2021" by Victor Gleim is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Called the “tree of life” by tribes such as the Kwakwaka’wakw and highly respected by all the Peoples who use it, the western redcedar is an integral part of Pacific Northwest Indigenous culture. The tree provides food and water (in the form of fish traps and watertight basket weaves), totem wood, canoes, household products and much, much more. Strips of the tree’s fibrous bark and even logs big enough to build canoes can be taken off the western redcedar without fatally injuring the tree. Use of the western redcedar goes back thousands of years.

Western Redcedars in Portland

There are many western redcedars in and around Portland. Our parks have many opportunities to appreciate the real beauty of a big western redcedar. There are several western redcedars in Laurelhurst Park over 100 feet tall. There is also a nice grove of them at Fernhill Park in NE Portland. Check them out!

Heritage Trees

There are three western redcedar Heritage Trees in Portland, but all are tricky to see or get to. The tallest is 120 feet and lives in a backyard in SW Portland. If you know an extraordinary western redcedar or other tree, consider nominating it to Urban Forestry's Heritage Tree program. Not only will the tree be graced with its very own plaque, but it will also be protected for years to come.

Heritage Trees of Portland | Portland.gov

Caring for Western Redcedar

Planting

Trees should be placed in a moist spot that is not in full sun. In their native habitat, western redcedars grow in cool, damp locations. Normally this tree will tolerate full sun, but the heat Portland has been having for the past summers makes this an unadvisable choice going forward. Western redcedars are not drought tolerant. As will all trees, your western redcedar will need supplemental water for the first five years.

Establishment

See Urban Forestry's establishment care guide.

Problems and Pests

Scientists have found that western redcedars are one of our first native trees to show serious signs of drought stress. As they continue to monitor our forest trees, it is important to keep your western redcedar well-watered. Think about placement of your new tree as it relates to our warming weather.

Use Oregon State University's plant disease and insect management handbooks to diagnose potential problems with your western redcedar.

Quick find - Insect crop pests | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)

Host and Disease Descriptions | Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks (pnwhandbooks.org)

For More Information

WESTERN RED-CEDAR (usda.gov)
WesternRedCedar.pdf (oregon.gov)
Thuja plicata Donn ex D (usda.gov)
Thuja plicata - Wikipedia
Pojar, Jim and Andy MacKinnon, Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast (Revised), 2004, Lone Pine Press.