Western red cedar

Profile

Family

Cupressaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

50 m

Spread

12 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

1000 years

First yield

after 10 years

Hardiness

zone 5–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very wet

pH

6 – 8

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Inner bark can be used fresh or dried, ground into powder for thickening soups or mixed with grains in bread baking. Chewing gum has been made from pitch extracted from the trunk.

Medicinal: Western red cedar was traditionally utilized by several Native American tribes in North America for medicinal purposes. The leaves were brewed into a tea to alleviate stomachaches and diarrhea, and a leaf decoction was believed to provide relief from colds. Chewing on the buds was a remedy for toothaches and lung pain, while a bud decoction was used as a gargle. Small twigs were employed to address coughs, colds, and tuberculosis, and a poultice made from crushed branch tips and oil was beneficial for bronchitis, rheumatism, stomach aches, and swollen necks. The bark and twigs were applied to treat various conditions like kidney problems, fever, and menstrual cramps. The inner bark was used as a skin irritant and applied to carbuncles, while the soft bark was utilized for wound care and as a cauterizing agent.

Other uses: This plant can withstand light pruning and needs sufficient sunlight, making it ideal for hedging or as part of a windbreak. A decoction made from the branches is effective in treating dandruff and scalp infections. The tough inner bark has multiple uses like scrubbing dishes, creating coarse textiles, blankets, mats, ropes, and even sanitary pads. Additionally, the bark is suitable for crafting waterproof headwear, capes, pants, skirts, and more. Its roots are utilized in weaving baskets and making nets, while the branches yield high-quality rope. The aromatic, lightweight, and durable wood of this plant has been traditionally employed by various indigenous North American groups for crafting canoes, dwellings, totem poles, utensils, and tools. Presently, the wood is also favored for constructing greenhouses and serves as a reliable, low-smoke fuel.

Growing

Thrives in moist, loamy soil but cannot survive in dry conditions. Unsuitable for light sandy soils due to shallow roots, but does well in various soil types, including waterlogged, heavy clay, and calcareous soils. Benefits from wind protection, although some sources suggest it has good wind resistance. Can withstand salty winds but not extreme maritime exposure. Both the wood and foliage have a strong, fruity aroma reminiscent of pear drops or crushed apples. A rapid-growing tree, with new growth often reaching one meter per year and averaging 60 cm annually in the first 40 years. Girth growth can also be quick, with records of 5 cm per year in the initial 60 years. Some varieties are cultivated for their ornamental features. Can handle light pruning, avoiding cuts into old wood. Lower branches are retained unless shaded by nearby plants. Foliage changes to bronze in cold temperatures. Susceptible to the honey fungus.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown in a cool environment during autumn when they are mature. For stored seeds, a brief cold treatment enhances germination. These seeds can also be planted in a cool environment in late winter. Once the seedlings reach a suitable size, transfer them to individual pots and nurture them in a greenhouse during their initial winter. The ideal time to plant them permanently is late spring or early summer, after the final frost. When cultivating a large number of plants, consider sowing the seeds in an outdoor seedbed in spring. Let the plants grow for two years before relocating them to their permanent spot in late autumn or early spring. For cuttings from semi-ripe shoots, measuring 5-8 cm with a heel, take them in July or August within a shaded frame. These cuttings will develop roots by September and should be sheltered in a frame over the winter. Cuttings from nearly mature shoots, 5-10 cm long with a heel, should be obtained in September in a cool environment. These cuttings will root the following summer and can be transplanted in autumn or spring.

Notable

Special features: opaque and prunable, except into old wood; tolerates salt winds; young plants require at least partial shade; thickest trunk diameter 6m; needle litter has an alkaline effect on the soil, unlike spruce; wood from fallen trees stays healthy for at least 100 years → shingles; needle scent → apples/pineapples → perfume; likes 500-5000mm of rainfall.

Origin & habitat

Western North America - British Columbia to California.

Unknown in its natural habitat.

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