How to Grow Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata
treeWestern Red Cedar is a tall, evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest, reaching heights of 120-180 feet in optimal conditions. It features soft, feathery foliage with a pleasant aromatic quality and reddish-brown, fibrous bark. This long-lived species is highly valued for its rot-resistant wood and ornamental qualities.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, but hardy to zone 4 with protection
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Growth Stages
Seedling/Young Transplant
First 2-3 yearsSmall, delicate new trees with soft, bright green foliage and minimal branching
Provide consistent moisture and protect from strong winds and full sun exposure; mulch around base; stake if necessary for support
Establishment
Years 3-7Tree develops stronger root system, main trunk grows taller, lower branches fill in, foliage becomes denser
Continue regular watering during dry periods; gradually reduce staking; maintain mulch layer; remove damaged or crossing branches
Growth & Development
Years 7-20Rapid upward and lateral growth; characteristic pyramidal or columnar form becomes apparent; bark starts to show reddish-brown color
Minimal pruning needed; allow natural form to develop; water during droughts; provide fertilization in spring if growth is slow
Mature Tree
20+ yearsReaches desired size (depends on variety); full, feathery foliage; deeper colored bark; may begin cone production
Prune only for shape and removal of dead/diseased wood; maintain deep watering in dry climates; monitor for pests and disease
Cone Production & Fruiting
Begins around year 15-20, ongoing thereafterSmall, oblong cones (0.5 inch) appear in fall; brown, dry cones persist into winter and spring
No special care needed; cones are not problematic; can be collected for seed if desired; minimal drop impact
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick bags in winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in spring when caterpillars emerge; prune heavily infested branches
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Increase humidity with regular watering/misting; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage predatory mites; avoid over-fertilizing
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and
(fungal disease)
Ensure well-draining soil; avoid wounding tree base; remove and destroy infected trees; improve site drainage
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Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid transplant stress; provide wind protection; proper drainage essential
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Remove rolled leaves by hand; apply spinosad or Bt in early spring; prune infested branches
Uses
Aromatic Tea & Flavoring
CulinaryYoung foliage can be steeped to create a fragrant tea rich in vitamin C, though this is more traditional than culinary. The essential oil provides subtle flavoring in some artisanal beverages. [source]
Traditional Respiratory Support
MedicinalPacific Northwest Indigenous peoples traditionally used cedar tea for cough, colds, and respiratory ailments. Modern herbalism values it for potential antimicrobial properties, though internal use requires caution due to thujone content. [source]
Rot-Resistant Lumber & Construction
HouseholdHistorically the most valuable use; Western Red Cedar wood is naturally rot-resistant, lightweight, and fragrant, making it ideal for shakes, shingles, siding, posts, and outdoor structures. Its decay resistance eliminates need for chemical treatment in most applications. [source]
Carving, Artisan Work & Fresh Greenery
CraftIndigenous artists carved masks, boxes, and totems from cedar wood for centuries. Modern artisans continue this tradition. Fresh and dried branches are popular in floral arrangements and wreaths for their aromatic qualities. [source]
Habitat & Wildlife Shelter
WildlifeProvides year-round evergreen shelter for birds, deer, and small mammals. Dense foliage offers excellent nesting habitat for songbirds and raptors. Seeds feed some bird species. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Mature cones (approximately 0.5 inches long) are produced in fall, ripening by late fall/early winter. Cones can be harvested in winter for seed extraction by hanging in cool, dry place until scales open naturally (2-4 weeks). Viable seeds are tiny and require stratification. Foliage can be harvested year-round for fresh arrangement or drying; cut branches with pruning shears early in morning for best aroma and water uptake.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Western Red Cedar is not truly a cedar but rather a thuja; 'cedar' refers to its aromatic, rot-resistant wood. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest used this tree for nearly everything—shelter, clothing, canoes, and tools—making it one of the most culturally important trees in North America.
- 🌱 The tree can live 500-1000+ years in the wild, with some specimens exceeding 2000 years old. A single mature tree can produce millions of seeds annually, though many are sterile or non-viable.
- 🌱 Western Red Cedar wood contains natural compounds called thujaplicins that give it its distinctive aroma and rot resistance—properties so effective that untreated cedar heartwood can last 15-30+ years in ground contact without decay.
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