How to identify Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)

How to identify Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)

Western red cedar is a coniferous evergreen tree, distinguished by its narrow, pyramidal shape complemented by a prominent buttressed base. It typically reaches heights of 50 to 70 feet (15 to 21 meters). The foliage of western red cedar is notable for its unique, 'braided' arrangement, with leaves folded closely together in a flat, spray-like pattern which aids in its identification.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Western red cedar

Distinct braided foliage in flat sprays aids in identification.

Trunk with rugged, fibrous bark in gray to reddish-brown hues.

Slender, colorful stems resistant to breakage, ranging 0.1-0.3 inches (2.5-7.5 mm).

Detailed Traits of Western red cedar

Leaf Features

The leaves of western red cedar are evergreen and arranged in flat sprays. They are scale-like and arranged in opposite pairs, forming four rows. Each leaf measures approximately 0.06 to 0.12 inches (1.5 to 3 mm) in length. The leaves are shiny dark green on the upper surface, while the underside features distinctive white markings shaped like a butterfly. This unique pattern, along with their textured surface, aids in the identification of western red cedar.

Leaf Arrangement

Fascicled

Leaf Texture

Herbaceous

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Stem Features

The stems of western red cedar are slender and present a range of colors from green to brown. They are notably resilient and resistant to breakage, contributing to the plant's overall durability. The texture of the stems is smooth, providing a visually appealing surface. Typically, the thickness of these stems ranges around 0.1 to 0.3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 mm). The branching pattern is intricate, featuring small, closely spaced branches that contribute to the plant's dense foliage.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of western red cedar consists of slender, clustered, elliptical seed cones that measure 0.4-0.7 inches (10-18 mm) in length and 0.2 inches (5 mm) in width. Initially exhibiting a green hue in the spring, these seed cones mature to a brown color by fall. Fitted with 8-12 sharp-pointed, overlapping scales, the cones open upon reaching maturity, dispensing 3-6 seeds per cone. Each released seed is roughly 1x5 mm and is accompanied by lateral papery wings, facilitating its dispersal.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Western red cedar and Their Similar Plants

Arborvitae vs. Western red cedar: What's The Difference?

Northern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) is a small- to medium-sized evergreen conifer native to North America, and can be found in a variety of environments, including forested wetlands and along cliffs. Essential oils are produced using northern white cedar, and it also finds use as an ornamental plant. Due to its increasing popularity in landscaping, more compact plants have been used to develop smaller strains.

Arborvitae 'Rheingold' vs. Western red cedar: What's The Difference?

Arborvitae 'Rheingold' is a slow-growing, dwarf, cone-shaped shrub that offers beautiful bright golden, fan-shaped clusters of foliage that turn bronze-yellow in winter. It is a cultivar of the Arborvitae tree and is named for its golden colors. It is favored for its durability and small height - at maturity, it is only 1.5 m tall.

Arborvitaes 'Green Giant' vs. Western red cedar: What's The Difference?

Arborvitaes 'Green Giant' truly lives up to its name, growing 91 to 122 cm each year until maturity (reaching anywhere from 12 to 18 m) total. This tall, evergreen, coniferous tree grows in a pyramidal shape and is the hybrid of the western red cedar and Japanese cedar.

Arborvitae 'Holmstrup' vs. Western red cedar: What's The Difference?

Arborvitae 'Holmstrup' grows in a dense, columnar shape with sprays of rich green foliage that retains their color through the winter. It is a cultivar of the Arborvitae tree and is named for the city of Holmstrup, in Denmark, where it was bred. Gardeners favor it is low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and responds well to shearing and shaping.

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Key Facts About Western red cedar

Attributes of Western red cedar

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

65 m to 70 m

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Black

Fruit Color

Brown

Green

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Western red cedar

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata)

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Distribution Map of Western red cedar

Western red cedar is native to the Pacific US and Canada, where it grows on moist slopes, riverbanks, and flatlands. It has been introduced in western and northern Europe.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Western red cedar How to Grow and Care for Western red cedar