Meet the Western Red Cedar

If you’ve spent time wandering the shady trails around Spokane—maybe out near Riverside State Park or tucked into the moister pockets along Dishman Hills Natural Area—you’ve probably crossed paths with the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). Here are a few fun facts about this iconic tree:

1. It’s not really a “cedar." Botanically speaking, Western Red Cedar isn’t a true cedar. True cedars have needle-like leaves, while Western Red Cedar has scale-like leaves, characteristic of arborvitae. Arborvitae are evergreen gymnosperm belonging to the cypress family.
2. It thrives where Spokane gets soggy. In our semi-arid region, Western Red Cedars are picky about real estate. You’ll mostly find them hanging out in cooler, wetter microclimates—north-facing slopes, creek edges, and those lush pockets that feel suspiciously like the moister western Washington.
3. It smells like a forest spa. Crush a bit of foliage (gently, steward!) and you’ll get that unmistakable cedar scent—freshly calming. It’s basically nature’s aromatherapy, no diffuser required.
4. Indigenous cultures knew what was up. For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have used Western Red Cedar for everything from canoes to clothing to shelter. It’s often called the “Tree of Life,” which is an understatement. Around Spokane, local stewardship efforts increasingly highlight and honor these relationships.
5. It’s surprisingly long-lived. These trees can live for over 1,000 years. No cedars you pass on a quiet Spokane trail are that old, due to historical logging, but there are ancient trees on Washington's Olympic peninsula that seeded themselves before Shakespeare was born.
6. It’s an indicator species. Healthy Western Red Cedars in the Spokane area signal a stable, moist micro-ecosystem. For local environmental stewards, they’re like green beacons—indicators that a habitat is healthy.
7. They’re under climate pressure. Hotter, drier summers in the Inland Northwest aren’t cedar-friendly. Protecting riparian zones, reducing soil disturbance, and supporting native plant communities are important to preserving cedar habitat.

Our stewardship matters.

Next time you’re out wandering Spokane’s trails, keep an eye (and nose) out for these conifer giants. And hey—maybe give a moment of appreciation to the beautiful nature we get to explore.