Western Redcedar
Thuja plicata
Known to Coast Salish and other Northwest Coast nations as "the cornerstone of northwest coast Indian culture," western redcedar's easily split wood and fibrous bark shaped house planks, canoes, boxes, and clothing across the region for generations.
Where found
Moist valley bottoms and lower slopes throughout the coastal and Cascade ranges; often found alongside streams.
Fun facts
- Bark was woven into skirts, capes, and even complete dresses; roots and limbs became baskets and rope.
- It's a cypress relative, not a true cedar — and the provincial tree of British Columbia.
- Ring counts show some trees living at least 1,460 years.
Specs
| Height | up to 50–75 m |
|---|---|
| Spread | wide, often buttressed base |
| Lifespan | 800–1,460+ yrs |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Sun | Full sun to part shade |
| Native Range | Southeast Alaska to northern California; Rockies segment to Montana |
