Native Canadian Cedars: Eastern White, Western Red, and Deodar

Overview

Canada’s cedars (Cupressaceae) have scale‑like sprays, not needles. First Nations used fragrant, soft wood for totems, canoes, lodges. Today, they’re low‑maintenance landscape assets.

Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

To 40 ft (decades). Arching green‑yellow fans. ½‑in. cones. Cool, moist, acidic soil near water. Lives 800+ years (oldest ~1,316 yr at Niagara). Key wildlife food (deer, hare, squirrel) and shelter. Zone 3 in well‑drained soil.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

Provincial tree of BC. Wild: 200+ ft, 10+ ft trunk, conical. Glossy green‑yellow sprays. 1,000+ yr lifespan (900+ yr on Queen Charlotte Islands). Critical winter browse for deer, elk near Rockies.

Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

In cultivation: 70 ft high, 40 ft wide, weeping pyramid flattening with age. Silvery‑blue‑green foliage, 3–4 in. cones. Zones 7–9, full sun. Wildlife shelter and forage.

Landscape Uses

• Eastern white: cold‑hardy screen, wildlife planting.
• Western red: large‑scale specimen, coastal gardens.
• Deodar: graceful focal point in mild zones.