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Thuja plicata
| Common name: |
Western Red Cedar |
Family: |
Cupressaceae |
| Author: |
Donn. ex D.Don. |
Botanical references: |
11, 60, 200 |
| Synonyms: |
Thuja menziesii (Douglas. ex Endl.), Thuja lobbii (Hort. ex Gord.), Thuja gigantea (Nutt.) |
| Known Hazards: |
None known |
| Range: |
Western N. America - British Columbia to California. |
| Habitat: |
Grows singly and in small groves in moist to swampy soils, usually in shady forests, from sea-level to 1350 metres[60, 82, 99]. |
| Edibility Rating (1-5): |
2 | Medicinal Rating (1-5): | 2 |
| Other Common Names: | From various places around the Web, may not be correct. See below. |
| Arbor Vitæ, Western [S], Cedar, Red [S], Red Cedar [S,H], Reuzenlevensboom [D], Western Arbor Vitæ [S], Western Arborvitae [B], Western Redcedar [DEN1,P,FEIS], |
| Epithets: | From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets |
|
plicata = pleated;
|
| Systematics: | From a USDA
Plants Database |
|
Order: Pinales. Cypress family
|
| Other Range Info: |
From the Ethnobotany Database |
|
Canada(Kwakiutl)
|
Physical Characteristics
An evergreen tree growing to 60m by 12m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The scented flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind.
We rate it 2/5 for edibility and
2/5 for medicinal use.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil.
The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
It requires moist or wet soil.
The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Habitats and Possible Locations
Hedge, Woodland, Canopy.Edible Uses
Gum; Inner bark.
Inner bark - fresh or dried[2, 105, 161]. The inner bark can be dried,
ground into a powder and then used as a thickening in soups etc or mixed with
cereals when making bread.
A pitch obtained from the trunk has been used as a chewing gum[257].
Medicinal Uses
Disclaimer
Abortifacient; Analgesic; Antidandruff; Antirheumatic; Astringent; Emmenagogue; Febrifuge; Kidney; Odontalgic; Pectoral; Poultice; Skin; Stomachic; TB; VD.
Western red cedar was employed medicinally by a number of native North
American Indian tribes, who used it to treat a wide range of complaints[257].
It is seldom, if ever, used in modern herbalism.
An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach pains
and diarrhoea[257]. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment
of colds[257]. A decoction of the powdered leaves has been used externally to
treat various internal pains, including rheumatism[257]. The leaf buds have
been chewed in the treatment of toothaches and sore lungs[257]. A decoction
of the buds has been used as a gargle[257].
A decoction of the small branches has been used in the treatment of coughs,
colds and tuberculosis[257]. A weak infusion has been drunk in the treatment
of painful joints caused by rheumatism or arthritis[257]. A poultice of the
crushed bough tips and oil has been applied to the back and chest in the
treatment of bronchitis, rheumatism, stomach pains and swollen neck[257]. An
infusion of the twigs has been used as a wash in the treatment of venereal
disease sores[257]. A decoction of the boughs has been used as an
antidandruff shampoo[257].
A decoction of the stem tips and the roots has been used in the treatment of
colds[257].
An infusion of the bark and twigs has been used in the treatment of kidney
complaints[257].
An infusion of the seeds and twigs has been used in the treatment of
fevers[257].
The chewed bark, or a decoction of the bark, has been drunk to induce
menstruation[257].
A moxa of the inner bark has been used as a counter-irritant for the
skin[257]. A poultice of the inner bark has been applied to carbuncles[257].
The bark has been pounded until it is as soft as cotton and then used to rub
the face[257]. The very soft bark has been used to bind wounds and cover
dressings[257].
The shredded bark has been used to cauterize sores and swellings[257].
Other Uses
Baby care; Basketry; Brush; Dye; Fibre; Fuel; Fungicide; Hair; Hedge; Insulation; Paper; Roofing; Scourer; Shelterbelt; Stuffing; Thatching; Tinder; Wick; Wood.
Tolerant of light trimming and of reasonable exposure, this species can
be grown as a hedge or as part of a shelterbelt[75].
An infusion of the boughs can be used as a hair wash to treat dandruff and
scalp germs[257].
The fibrous inner bark can be pounded until it is soft and then used as a
sponge for scouring dishes etc, or can be used for making rough clothing,
blankets, mats, ropes, sanitary towels, a padding in a baby's cradle, nappies
etc. Waterproof hats, capes, trousers, skirts etc can be made from the inner
bark[257]. It is also used in thatching and as a stuffing material for
mattresses[46, 61, 82, 99, 118, 171, 226, 257]. Inner bark strips have been
used as a roofing material[257]. The bark has also been used to make paint
brushes[257].
The inner bark has been used to make a wick for oil lamps[257].
The inner bark has been used for making baskets[257].
The roots are used in basket making, making nets etc[99]. The roots have
been used in coiled and imbricated baskets[257]. The roots have been peeled,
split and used to make coiled watertight baskets that can be used for boiling
water[257]. The roots are harvested in the spring or early autumn when it is
easier to remove the bark. The outer strips of the roots are used to make the
bottom of the basket, the centre core is used in the coils and the root bark,
because of its toughness, is used to make the edges[257].
The fibrous bark is used for roofing and the sides of shelters. It is also
used as an insulation[61, 99].
A fibre obtained from the bark is used in making paper. The fibre is about
3.8mm long (this refers to the heartwood fibre, the inner bark fibre is
probably longer)[189]. Branches can be harvested at any time of the year,
they are cut into usable pieces and pre-soaked in clear water prior to
cooking. They are then cooked for six hours or more with lye. It is difficult
to rinse it to clear water because it seems to be a dye material[189]. The
fibre is then hand pounded with mallets, or put through a blender or a ball
mill for six hours. It is difficult to hydrate properly. The resulting paper
is a rich deep brown/red[189].
The slender pliable branches are used as a high quality rope[257]. They are
gathered in spring, peeled and, if thick, are split into halves or quarters.
They are then twisted and worked until soft and pliable and finally woven
together to make the rope[99].
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves and twigs[257].
The inner bark can be used as a tinder[257].
Wood - aromatic, light, soft, straight-grained, not strong, very resistant
to decay. This resistance to decay is probably due to the existence of
powerful fungicides in the wood[226]. The wood from fallen trees remains
sound for at least 100 years[226]. It is pale to dark red in colour[226]. The
wood was widely utilized by many native North American Indian tribes who used
it for making a wide range of items including canoes, houses, totem poles,
bowls, spoons, ladles and tools[226, 257]. It is currently used in making
greenhouses[1, 11, 82, 171]. The wood is not of such good quality when grown
in mild humid areas[1]. It makes a good fuel, burning with very little smoke,
though it burns quickly[99].
Cultivation details
Prefers a moist loamy soil[1, 81]. Dislikes dry soils[11]. Not suitable
for light sandy soils because it is shallow rooting[75], but it succeeds on
most other soil types, even on waterlogged soils and heavy clays[81, 200].
Succeeds in chalky soils[200]. Prefers some shelter from the wind according
to some reports[1, 81] whilst others say that it is fairly wind resistant[11,
75]. Trees tolerate salt winds[75] but not severe maritime exposure[K].
The wood and foliage are highly aromatic[226]. The foliage has a strong
fruity smell, like pear-drops or crushed apples[185].
A fast growing tree, it often puts out new growth of 1 metre a year and can
average 60cm a year for the first 40 years. Increase in girth can also be
rapid, 5cm a year for the first 60 years has been recorded[185]. Sometimes
planted for forestry in Britain[17], it is at its best in the moister western
half of the country[11, 185].
There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[188].
Tolerant of light trimming, so long as this is not back into old wood,
plants also retain their lower branches unless these are shaded out by
neighbouring plants[11].
The foliage turns bronze in cold weather[81].
Trees are notably susceptible to honey fungus[81, 200].
Propagation
Seed - best sown when ripe in the autumn in a cold frame[113]. Stored
seed germinates best if given a short cold stratification[113]. It can be
sown in a cold frame in late winter. When they are large enough to handle,
prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the
greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent
positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
If growing large quantities of plants, the seed can be sown in an outdoor
seed bed in mid spring[78]. Grow the plants on for two years and then plant
them out into their permanent positions in late autumn or early spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a shaded
frame. Forms roots by the end of September but it should be overwintered in a
frame[78].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September in a cold
frame. Forms roots in the following summer. Plant out in autumn or
spring[78].
Scent
-
Stem: Crushed
- The wood and foliage are highly aromatic.
-
Leaves: Crushed
- The wood and foliage are highly aromatic. The foliage has a strong fruity smell, like pear-drops or crushed apples.
Cultivars
- ''
- There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].
Suppliers
For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look.
PFAF Web Pages
This plant is mentioned in the following web pages
Web References
- [H] Details of Scandanavian and European Common names in Henriette's names database
- [E] Ethnobotany Data
(common names, uses, countries) from the Ethnobotany Database.
- [B] Data
(Latin & Common names, other references) from the BONAP's Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
- [S] Image
from the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
- [S] Illustration
from the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
- [S] Illustration
from the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
- [S] Image
from the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
- [G] Data
(Common Names, Uses, Distribution) from the USDA/ARS NPGS's GRIN taxonomic database.
- [C] Taxon data.
from the CalFlora database.
- Images
from the CalPhoto database.
- [P] Data.
(uses, distribution, wetland) from the USDA'a Plants database.
- [DEN] Data _ Photos
(Good Identification info) from the Virginia Tech's Dendrology Deptarments' Tree Fact Sheets.
- [HP] Links, Photos, Suppliers from Hortiplex Plant Database
- [FEIS] Data
(Uses, Ecology, Fire Effects) from the USDA Forestry Service Fire Effects Information System.
References for Thuja gigantea (a possible synonym).
- [G] Data
(Common Names, Uses, Distribution) from the USDA/ARS NPGS's GRIN taxonomic database.
References for thuja plicata (a possible synonym).
References for the family Cupressaceae.
See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources.
Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images.
[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
[2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.
[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
[17] Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962
A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
[46] Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959
An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.
[60] Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955
A standard flora for Western N. America with lots of information on habitat etc. Five large volumes, it is not for the casual reader.
[61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202
Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.
[75] Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984
A small booklet packed with information on trees and shrubs for hedging and shelterbelts in exposed maritime areas.
[78] Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948
A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
[81] Rushforth. K. Conifers. Christopher Helm 1987 ISBN 0-7470-2801-X
Deals with conifers that can be grown outdoors in Britain. Good notes on cultivation and a few bits about plant uses.
[82] Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. 1965 ISBN 0-486-20278-X
Two volumes, a comprehensive listing of N. American trees though a bit out of date now. Good details on habitats, some details on plant uses. Not really for the casual reader.
[99] Turner. N. J. Plants in British Columbian Indian Technology. British Columbia Provincial Museum 1979 ISBN 0-7718-8117-7
Excellent and readable guide.
[105] Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976
The most comprehensive guide to edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader.
[113] Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987 ISBN 0942375009
A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.
[118] Gunther. E. Ethnobotany of Western Washington. University of Washington Press 1981 ISBN 0-295-95258-X
A small book, it is a good guide to useful plants in Western N. America.
[161] Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture.
A comprehensive but very terse guide. Not for the casual reader.
[171] Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952
Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some a bit of detail about the plants it does cover.
[185] Mitchell. A. F. Conifers in the British Isles. HMSO 1975 ISBN 0-11-710012-9
A bit out of date (first published in 1972), but an excellent guide to how well the various species of conifers grow in Britain giving locations of trees.
[188] Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Excellent range of photographs, some cultivation details but very little information on plant uses.
[189] Bell. L. A. Plant Fibres for Papermaking. Liliaceae Press 1988
A good practical section on how to make paper on a small scale plus details of about 75 species (quite a few of them tropical) that can be used.
[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[226] Lauriault. J. Identification Guide to the Trees of Canada Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Ontario. 1989 ISBN 0889025649
Very good on identification for non-experts, the book also has a lot of information on plant uses.
[245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.
[257] Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.
Readers Comments
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Bibliography
Plant information taken from the
Plants For A Future -
Species Database.
Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
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Website: www.pfaf.org Phone: 0845 458 4719/_44(0) 1208 872963 This page (UK) http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/cgi-bin/pfaf/arr_html?Thuja+plicata
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