Trees Growing at Our Home

Western Red Cedar

Thuja plicata Native to western North America where it is an important timber tree. Grows to a height of 135ft (40m). Leaves emit a strong fruity smell even without being crushed. Flowers open in March, males dark red, pale yellow when shedding pollen. Females are yellowish green. Both are about 1/2 inch long. Cones are about 1/2 inch long with 10-12 scales, ripening from yellowish green to brown and opening slightly to release winged seeds. We have a number of mature trees to 80ft. In 2000 the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) sold us 10 seedlings at 10 cents each but the package had about 30 seedlings. About 90% have survived and are growing rapidly. These were planted at various places in our pasture, yards and ledges. The seedlings have grown to about 3-4 foot high.