Home › Cupressaceae › Thuja › Thuja plicata (western redcedar)

Thuja – juniper genus

plicata – pleated

Native range: Northwestern North America

  • from Alaska south to Northern California
  • as far east as Alberta, Idaho, and Montana

Leaves:

  • scale-like
  • “butterfly” pattern of stomata on back (white-ish color)
  • no obvious gland on underside
  • laterals almost covering facials
  • yellowish-green color
  • usually shining on the upper surface

Thuja plicata kz3

Cones:

  • “wooden rose”
  • 10-12 scales
  • turned up and bent backward on branch

Thuja plicata 21 4 2017 Kaisaniemi 0016 (cropped)

Thuja plicata 43569

Other characteristics:

  • reddish brown and stringy bark
  • branches drooping, then curve upward at ends
  • “sweet” citrus scent
  • fast-growing, up to 200 ft

Thuja bark Łazienki

Relevant info:

  • largest species in Cupressaceae
  • lives 400+ to even 1,000+ years

Ecology & Adaptations:

  • grow in moist or swampy areas from sea level to mid-elevations in the mountains
  • shallow roots allow better access to O2 in wet conditions
  • seedlings are tolerant of flooding
  • shade tolerant
  • vegetative reproduction by layering (re-rooting) of fallen/sweeping branches
  • conical shape maximizes light absorption throughout the day, year-round
  • defense:
    • resinous wood is poisonous to insects and resistant to bacterial and fungal infestation
    • secondary (aromatic) compounds in leaves provide protection from microbial infection and herbivory