Western Red Cedar | Thuja plicata - Benton Soil And Water Conservation District

Western Red Cedar | Thuja plicata

Close-up of green, feathery foliage, likely from a coniferous tree, with a branding label for SevenOaks Native Nursery.

Photo Credit: Seven Oaks Native Nursery

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Description

A tall, iconic conifer of the Pacific Northwest. Bark is a rich reddish brown color and branches tend to hang low. Needles are dark green and the entire tree is fragrant and earthy. Excellent for restoration projects.

Learn more in this fascinating article from the Oregon Department of Forestry!

Plant Details

Habitats	Mixed Conifer Forests, Riparian Areas
Habitat Notes	Prefers moist, slightly acidic soils
Phenology	Cones mature in August
Mature Height	Up to 250 ft
Shade Preference	Part shade
Soil Tolerance	Moist to poorly-drained soils, slightly acidic
Special Uses	Attracts insects, bees and butterflies; Attracts birds; Provides wildlife forage, cover and food; Provides bank stabilization; Ornamental; Grown for timber production

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Native Plant Database

We have a large searchable database of plants that are native to the Willamette Valley and other parts of Benton County. View images and filter the list by plant characteristics

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Why Plant Native Plants?

There are so many good reasons to plant native plants!

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Native Plant Sales

A dense forest with tall trees and lush green undergrowth.

Mixed Hardwood-Conifer Forest or Woodland

Mixed hardwoods and conifers characterize this habitat which is widespread in western Oregon in the medium elevations of the hills of the Coast Range. Precipitation is higher in this habitat than in…

A lush green riparian forest with tall red alder trees and a rocky stream running through it.

Riparian Forests

Riparian areas are defined by NRCS as ecosystems that occur along waterways and water bodies. They serve as the transition between aquatic and terrestrial zones.