Thuja plicata
Common names: Western Red Cedar
Irish name: Céadar crón iartharach
Latin name: Thuja plicata
Family: Cupressaceae
Origin: Non native
Tree type: Evergreen conifer
How it looks
Despite not being a true cedar, this tree derives its name from its wood and aromatic qualities that closely resemble those of authentic cedar species.
Shape, bark, twigs
This evergreen conifer can grow up to 60m tall, featuring a straight, tapered trunk. Its narrow conical shape is formed by branches extending from the ground up, with upper limbs spreading horizontally and lower ones drooping with upturned tips. Often multi-trunked, it may appear as a cluster of trees rather than a single specimen. The soft, reddish-brown bark becomes flaky with age, occasionally peeling in long strips.
Leaves
Rather than having needles, the foliage of western red cedar consists of flattened branchlets of dark green scales, each scale only about one-tenth of an inch long. The leaves are flat, small, and scale-like. Paler in colour on the underside. When crushed, these leaves release an intense, distinctly fruity fragrance reminiscent of ripe pineapple.
Cones
The species is monoecious. This means that both male and female flowers grow on the same tree. Male flowering cones are small and inconspicuous. Female flowering cones are small, reddish-purple, and are found near the tips of branches.
Similar species
Other species of cypress e.g. Cupressus x leylandi can be distinguished by their cones and the scent of their foliage.
Where to find it
It is native to the Pacific Coast of North America. However, it grows well here in Ireland, liking our mild and wet climate. It happily grows in most soil conditions once there are not long periods of drought. As they are shade tolerant, they can reproduce in the low light of the forest. They can also be found in riparian habitats along streams and rivers.
Cultural importance
Archaeological and paleoenvironmental evidence from the northwest American coast suggests that Indigenous communities were using Western red cedar in a range of different capacities as early as 5000 years ago. According to a creation story told by the Indigenous Coast Salish peoples of what is now present-day British Columbia, Canada, there once lived a very generous man who freely gave his food and belongings to anyone who needed them. The Creator took note of this great kindness, and promised that when the man died, a red cedar would grow in the place of his grave and continue to help people just as the he had done.
The Western red cedar was, and still is, central to the Indigenous way of life and belief system. The roots were used to weave baskets and hats. The timber was used to make canoes, paddles and to construct houses. The withes of the tree were used to make rope and lashing in order to bind house timbers together, while the bark was processed to make mats, clothing, blankets, hats, battle armour, ropes, baskets and fishing nets. The wood of the tree was also used to make a number of symbolic and artistic items such as bentwood boxes, totem poles, masks and ceremonial dancing regalia. Given the many uses of Western red cedar, it is unsurprising that it is known amongst Coast Salish peoples as the ‘Tree of Life’ and viewed as a symbol of strength and revitalization. Furthermore, the Indigenous communities of the northwest coast has a symbiotic relationship with the red cedar, ensuring the sustainable management of the forests.
The Western red cedar is also of great spiritual importance to northwest coast peoples. It is regarded as a living, spiritual being and is believed amongst some communities to act as a guardian against negative influences. Similarly, it known for its healing properties, especially as an anti-inflammatory.
Western red cedars that bear evidence of bark removal by past Indigenous communities have been discovered in the Pacific Coast region. Some of these ‘cultural modifications’ to the trees date to as far back as 3000 years ago. As a result, they are historically and spiritually important for contemporary First Nations peoples as a direct connection to their ancestors.
After 1848, with the advent of the goldrush and the development of new towns, Euro-American settlers began to extensively log the forests of the American northwest coast, including old growth Western red cedar stands. The red cedar was less popular in the early part of the twentieth century as they required a lot of resources to cut down. However, from the late 1960s onwards and particularly from the 1990s, old growth Western red cedars became a target of timber companies to the degree that they are now becoming increasingly rare.
The Western red cedar was introduced to Britain and Ireland in 1853 as an ornamental parkland tree. Excellent mature examples can be found at Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, Kilkenny and Farmleigh House and Estate, Dublin.
Value to wildlife
Western red cedar provides critical habitat and protective cover for diverse wildlife and plant species.
Threats
Western red cedar thrives in moist environments but struggles in drought conditions. While generally resilient, it can be susceptible to root and butt rot. Cypress aphids occasionally cause foliage browning. The tree is also a favored food source for deer and other wildlife.
Uses
It is a very important tree in the timber trade. The timber is highly aromatic giving it the characteristic cedar smell. It is also planted as a hedging plant as it is quick growing and has dense foliage.
References
Brownstein, D. 2011. The Tree of Life: A History of the Western Red Cedar on Haida Gwaii, Network in Canadian History & Environment.The Tree of Life: A History of the Western Red Cedar on Haida Gwaii – NiCHE (niche-canada.org)
Centre for the Study of the Pacific Northwest. N.d. Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Placing Washington's Forests in Historical Context, Centre for the Study of the Pacific Northwest. Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest (washington.edu)
Huang, A. 2009. Cedar, Indigenous Foundations, University of British Columbia. Cedar (ubc.ca)
Hebda, R.J. and Mathewes, R.W. 1984. Holocene history of cedar and native Indian cultures of the North American Pacific Coast. Science, 225(4663), pp.711-713.
Nelson, J. 2004. A Vanishing Heritage: The Loss of Ancient Red Cedar from Canada’s Rainforests, David Suzuki Foundation. cedar.qxd (cathedralgrove.eu)
O’Hanlon, M. 2021. National Tree Week, Farmleigh Blog. National Tree Week | Farmleigh House and Estate
Stryd, A. H. and Fedemma, V. 1998. Sacred Cedar: The Cultural and Archaeological Significance of Culturally Modified Tree, A Report of the Pacific Salmon Forests Project. David Suzuki Foundation. sacred-cedar-cultural-archaeological-significance.pdf (davidsuzuki.org)
Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum. N.d. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) - Woodstock House & Gardens