Western Redcedar: The Majestic Giant of Pacific Northwest Gardens
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a towering, stately evergreen gracing your landscape, the western redcedar (Thuja plicata) might just be your perfect match. This magnificent native tree brings both grandeur and ecological value to the right garden setting, though it’s definitely not a plant for small spaces or impatient gardeners!
Meet the Western Redcedar
The western redcedar is a true giant among North American trees, capable of reaching an impressive 150 feet at maturity. Don’t worry though – it takes its sweet time getting there, with a characteristically slow growth rate that adds about 40 feet in its first 20 years. This perennial evergreen develops a classic single-stem growth form with a beautiful conical shape when young.
Where It Calls Home
This tree is a proud native of North America, naturally occurring across Alaska, Canada, and several western U.S. states including California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. It’s particularly associated with the lush, misty forests of the Pacific Northwest.
Why You’ll Love (or Think Twice About) Western Redcedar
The Good Stuff
- Stunning appearance: Features gorgeous fibrous, reddish-brown bark and fine-textured, dense green foliage that stays beautiful year-round
- Wildlife magnet: Provides food for large animals, small mammals, and birds, contributing 5-10% of some animals’ diets
- Versatile placement: Thanks to its facultative wetland status, it can thrive in both moist and drier sites
- Long-lived companion: This is a tree for generations, with an exceptionally long lifespan
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and doesn’t need regular pruning
The Reality Check
- Size matters: At 150 feet tall, this tree needs serious space – not suitable for small yards
- Patience required: Slow growth means you won’t see dramatic changes quickly
- Picky about conditions: Has specific soil and moisture requirements
- Fire concerns: Low fire tolerance makes it unsuitable for fire-prone areas
Perfect Garden Settings
Western redcedar shines in:
- Large residential properties with plenty of room to grow
- Pacific Northwest native plant gardens
- Naturalistic landscapes and woodland gardens
- Privacy screens and windbreaks (with adequate spacing)
- Parks and public spaces
Growing Conditions That Make It Happy
Think Pacific Northwest forest and you’ll get the idea. Western redcedar thrives in:
- Soil: Medium-textured, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.1-7.1)
- Light: Shade tolerant but also does well in full sun
- Water: Consistent moisture is key – drought tolerance is low
- Climate: USDA hardiness zones 6-8, can handle temperatures down to -33°F
- Space: Needs at least 30 inches of root depth and room for its eventual massive size
Planting and Care Tips
Getting Started
- Timing: Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Sourcing: Available through specialty nurseries (contracting only for commercial quantities)
- Spacing: Allow 300-1,200 plants per acre depending on your goals
Ongoing Care
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilizing: Medium fertility requirements – a balanced, slow-release fertilizer works well
- Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged branches as needed
Propagation Possibilities
If you’re feeling adventurous, western redcedar can be propagated through several methods including seeds, cuttings, or container plants. Seeds need cold stratification and have moderate spread rates, though seedling vigor is relatively low. The tree produces abundant seeds from summer through fall, with about 414,400 seeds per pound!
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While western redcedar won’t attract butterflies like a wildflower meadow would, it provides crucial habitat and food for native wildlife. Large animals, small mammals, and terrestrial birds all benefit from this tree, using it for both food and occasional cover. As a wind-pollinated gymnosperm, it offers limited direct pollinator benefits but contributes to overall ecosystem health.
The Bottom Line
Western redcedar is a spectacular choice for gardeners with adequate space, patience, and the right growing conditions. If you live in the Pacific Northwest or a similar climate and have a large property where this giant can truly shine, it’s a wonderful way to connect with your region’s natural heritage while providing lasting beauty and wildlife habitat for generations to come.
Just remember: this is a tree that thinks big and grows slow. Make sure you’re ready for both the commitment and the eventual majesty that comes with growing one of North America’s most impressive native evergreens!
