Thuja plicata

Thuja plicata, commonly known as Western red cedar, is a large, evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It features reddish-brown bark, aromatic, scale-like foliage, and can grow over 50 meters tall. Valued for its durable, fragrant wood, it is used in construction, fencing, and woodworking. The tree also plays a crucial ecological role, providing habitat and shelter for wildlife. Indigenous peoples have historically utilized Western red cedar for canoes, longhouses, and ceremonial items, recognizing its cultural importance. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can live for several centuries.