Thuja plicata Western red cedar (Cupressaceae) Evergreen tree

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Thuja plicata
Western red cedar
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Thuja plicata plant species is found in Western N. America - British Columbia to California. It is a member of the Cupressaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Western red cedar. Some home gardeners know the variety as T. gigantea. T. lobbii. T. menziesii.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Thuja plicata
Common Name:  Western red cedar
Family:  Cupressaceae
Author:  D.Don.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  60   Mature Width:  12

Habitat:  Grows singly and in small groves in moist to swampy soils, usually in shady forests, from sea-level to 1350 metres[60, 82, 99].

Medicinal Information: Western red cedar was employed medicinally by a number of native North American Indian tribes, who used it to treat a wide range of complaints[257]. It is seldom, if ever, used in modern herbalism. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach pains and diarrhoea[257]. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds[257]. A decoction of the powdered leaves has been used externally to treat various internal pains, including rheumatism[257]. The leaf buds have been chewed in the treatment of toothaches and sore lungs[257]. A decoction of the buds has been used as a gargle[257]. A decoction of the small branches has been used in the treatment of coughs, colds and tuberculosis[257]. A weak infusion has been drunk in the treatment of painful joints caused by rheumatism or arthritis[257]. A poultice of the crushed bough tips and oil has been applied to the back and chest in the treatment of bronchitis, rheumatism, stomach pains and swollen neck[257]. An infusion of the twigs has been used as a wash in the treatment of venereal disease sores[257]. A decoction of the boughs has been used as an antidandruff shampoo[257]. A decoction of the stem tips and the roots has been used in the treatment of colds[257]. An infusion of the bark and twigs has been used in the treatment of kidney complaints[257]. An infusion of the seeds and twigs has been used in the treatment of fevers[257]. The chewed bark, or a decoction of the bark, has been drunk to induce menstruation[257]. A moxa of the inner bark has been used as a counter-irritant for the skin[257]. A poultice of the inner bark has been applied to carbuncles[257]. The bark has been pounded until it is as soft as cotton and then used to rub the face[257]. The very soft bark has been used to bind wounds and cover dressings[257]. The shredded bark has been used to cauterize sores and swellings[257].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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