Western Red Cedar: British Columbia’s Tree of Life

Western Red Cedar: British Columbia’s Tree of Life

 In Nature in Victoria

The Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is more than just a tree—it is a symbol of British Columbia’s forests and a lifeline for both wildlife and humans. Known as the “Tree of Life” by Indigenous communities, Western Red Cedar has played a crucial role in BC’s history, culture, and economy.

This majestic evergreen is found primarily in BC’s coastal rainforests, where its towering presence and fragrant wood make it one of the most recognizable trees in the province. Some of the oldest specimens have been standing for over 1,500 years, making them among the longest-living trees in North America.

Growth and Appearance

Western Red Cedar is known for its distinctive reddish-brown bark, which peels away in long vertical strips. Its leaves are not needle-like like those of firs and spruces but instead appear as flat, scale-like sprays that release a pleasant, earthy scent when crushed.

One of the key reasons Western Red Cedar is so revered is its resistance to decay. Unlike many other tree species, its wood contains natural oils that make it highly rot-resistant, which is why it has been widely used for construction, furniture, and even boat building for centuries.

Cultural and Historical Importance

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have relied on Western Red Cedar for everything from shelter to clothing. The Coast Salish, Haida, and Nuu-chah-nulth peoples used its wood to carve canoes, totem poles, and longhouses. Even its bark was valuable—it was woven into ropes, mats, and clothing.

This deep connection with the tree is why Western Red Cedar is often called the “Tree of Life.” Even today, it remains an important symbol in Indigenous art and culture.

Ecological Role

Beyond its cultural and economic importance, Western Red Cedar is vital to British Columbia’s ecosystems. It provides habitat for many species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Its thick canopy offers shade and helps regulate moisture levels in the forest, creating a cool, damp environment that supports diverse plant life.

Because of its rot-resistant wood, fallen Western Red Cedar logs continue to provide shelter and nutrients for centuries, even after the tree has died. This process, known as nurse logging, allows new plants to take root and grow on the decaying wood, contributing to forest regeneration.

Fun Facts About Western Red Cedar

  • Some Western Red Cedars are over 1,500 years old, making them among the oldest living trees in Canada.
  • The tree’s wood is naturally rot-resistant, which is why it is often used for shingles, siding, and outdoor furniture.
  • Indigenous peoples traditionally steamed cedar bark to create medicine for colds and fevers.
  • Unlike most conifers, Western Red Cedar has scale-like leaves instead of needles.
  • Its fragrant wood repels insects, making it a popular choice for closets and storage chests.

Conclusion

The Western Red Cedar is more than just a tree—it is a pillar of British Columbia’s forests and culture. Whether you see it in a dense coastal rainforest, on a hand-carved totem pole, or as part of a beautifully crafted home, this tree continues to shape BC’s landscape in profound ways.