The epithet plicata (‘folded’) refers to the origami-like folds of its sweetly aromatic, dark green scale-leaves. In its native Pacific North American forests it is hugely culturally significant to Indigenous peoples, who use timber, bark and foliage for items from dugout canoes to sanitary pads. First documented in Europe in the late eighteenth century, the first viable seed was collected by William Lobb (1809-1864), raising the first British trees in 1853.
Native to Pacific North America, in a broad coastal band through British Columbia and, in the USA, Washington south through Oregon to northern California, with a separate range in the Rocky Mountains from Alberta south to Montana.
Despite its common name it belongs to the Cupressaceae, not the true cedars of the Pinaceae. Monoecious, bearing male and female flowers on the same tree, the female cones in clusters on short stalks near branch tips. In its native range it is long-lived, exceeding 1,000 years.
Grows to 50m (rarely 70m), conical, often buttressed at the base. Bark red-brown (grey-brown in sun), thick (2-3cm), fibrous, fissured and often peeling. Foliage glossy green, dense, in flat horizontal sprays with white ‘butterfly’ patterns beneath, smelling of pineapple when crushed. Male cones 1-3mm; female cones 10-12mm, upright, rosebud-shaped, yellow-brown. Incense Cedar and Nootka Cypress differ in spray orientation, scent and stomatal patterns.
Thrives in high-rainfall areas but dislikes exposed sites above 200m. Tolerates heavy, waterlogged soils but is fairly drought-sensitive. It bears heavy seed crops on four-year cycles, grows easily from seed and cuttings, and naturally layers where branches touch ground. With a narrow crown and fairly slow growth, it is a good companion for broadleaves such as Wild Cherry and Common Walnut. Being shade-tolerant, prune for timber quality.
In its native range this very stress-resistant species supports ecological continuity through environmental shocks. Its dense crown and trunk cavities in old trees shelter many birds and mammals, while deer, including Elk (Alces alces), eat its foliage. It has no notable associations where introduced.
Generally a highly resilient tree, although vulnerable to honey fungus and root rot.
A valuable timber tree producing richly coloured red-brown heartwood, soft yet extremely durable. Slow-grown trees give wood for cleft ‘cedar’ shingles, though trees usually grow too fast for this in north-west Europe. It suits poles, including flagpoles, rugby posts and horse jumps. Several ornamental cultivars exist, including fastigiate forms and colour variants such as ‘Aurea’ and ‘Zebrina Extra Gold’.
