Also called Pacific redcedar, giant cedar, giant arborvitae, western arborvitae, and shinglewood. Although do not confuse with similar-named
◼︎ eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana.
Some taxonomists consider the 1–4 species of
cedar genus Cedrus,
(found from the Mediterranean Sea to the 🗻︎ Himalaya mountains) to be the only true cedars. But the common name
cedar is used to describe at least 32 species, in 20 genera, in 9 families
(found 🌍︎🌎︎🌏︎ globally except Antarctica). Regardless, this plant is …
Part of
arborvitae/cedar genus Thuja
in
cypress / juniper / redwood family Cupressaceae
in
🌲︎ conifer order Pinales.
Native to 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 North America's Pacific Northwest (Cascadia).
🗺 Map (scroll down),
🗺 map by county (🇺🇸 USA-48)
(color key),
🗺 map (North America, Central America). 
🏛🌲︎ Provincial tree of British Columbia.
Uses by native peoples
(Ethnobotany database)
🪵 Wood from this tree was split to make wooden shingles. Remaining old-growth wood still coming to market is used to make 🎸︎ guitars, ukuleles and mandolins.
Thuja hosts caterpillars of 49 species
of butterflies and moths, in some areas.
NYBG's gardening help and research guide on this plant and its sister-species.
"Plants you shouldn't grow right next to your house." HouseDigest.com. April 27, 2024.
Accessed 2024-05-30.
"Has this iconic Northwest tree reached a tipping point?" The Seattle Times.
Accessed .