Also known as British Columbia Red Cedar · British Columbian Red Cedar · Canoe Cedar
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Thuja plicata, Western Red-Cedar, is a large evergreen conifer native to western North America. It features aromatic, scale-like dark green foliage and reddish-brown bark
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
80% intensity
Consistently moist, especially when young.
70% intensity
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil.
50% intensity
Hardy in cool to mild climates (USDA Zones 5-7).
60% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Minimal, only if growth is poor.
30% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains thujone, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. More severe reactions are possible with large quantities or concentrated extracts, particularly in horses.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Western Red-Cedar thrives with consistent moisture, especially during its establishment phase and dry periods. Water deeply and regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Mature trees show some drought tolerance but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain vigor and prevent stress.
Pruning is typically minimal for Western Red-Cedar, mainly for shaping, removing dead or damaged branches, or maintaining size in cultivated settings. Best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Avoid heavy shearing, as it can lead to an unnatural appearance and reduce the plant's health.
Western Red-Cedar can be propagated from seeds, which require stratification, or more commonly from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining propagation medium under high humidity until roots develop.
As a large tree, Western Red-Cedar is not typically repotted.
Young plants grown in containers for transplanting should be moved to larger pots as they outgrow their current ones, ensuring adequate space for root development.
Ultimately, they should be planted in the ground to reach their mature size.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata)
Where Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Thuja |
| Species | Thuja plicata |
Similar in genus Thuja
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
