
Western Redcedar
Thuja plicata 'Northern Spire'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
300 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate to high
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen tree
Native To
Pacific Northwest of North America
Toxicity
Foliage can be toxic if ingested in large quantities
The Story
Plant Bio
Thuja plicata is a large, majestic evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest, featuring aromatic, scale-like foliage in flattened sprays and a conical habit. 'Northern Spire' is a cultivar selected for its narrow, fastigiate (columnar) growth habit. It maintains a tight, dense form, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or formal accents where space is limited.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site in full sun or part shade with moist, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring it's straight.
- The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding ground.
- Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
- Keep consistently moist for the first year.
Pro Tip
Unlike many conifers, Thuja plicata tolerates moist to wet soils, making it a great screening choice for damp areas.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially in hot, dry weather.
- Mulch well to keep the root zone cool and moist.
- Plant in a location with good air circulation.
- Protect from drying winter winds in colder climates.
Don't
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, especially when young.
- Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites, which can cause foliage burn.
- Don't prune back beyond the green foliage into old wood.
- Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Western Redcedar questions
What zones can Western Redcedar grow in?
Western Redcedar is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Western Redcedar deer resistant?
Yes — Western Redcedar is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Western Redcedar need full sun?
Western Redcedar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Thuja to compare

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Thuja occidentalis 'Green Giant'

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Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald Green'

Emerald Green Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd Emerald'

American Pillar Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'

Degroot's Spire Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot'

Eastern Arborvitae Western Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Columbia'
