Thuja plicata
Western Red Cedar
Description
This evergreen conifer reaches 50' tall and beyond and 15-25' wide. This majestic Oregon native has graceful, downward-sweeping foliage of bright green to deep green, scale-like leaves. Small elliptical cones have sharp points. Bark is light brown-reddish color. The tree typically has a narrow pyramidal habit. It does best in full to part sun with moist, fertile, well draining soil. It does tolerant clay soil but not dry heat. It does best in cool summer climates. As a young tee, it should be watered deeply but infrequently to establish a deep root system. Established trees tolerated deep shade. Leaves are aromatic when crushed. Young trees can be pruned to created a dense hedge.