Cedar belongs to the Sacred Cupess family. Of American or Asian origin depending on the species, it is classified among the conifers and it is easily recognized by its evergreen foliage , formed of scales imbricated one in the other.
Why does EcoTree plant Red Cedars?
Cedars are not very demanding on the nature of the soil and are perfect windbreaks thus protecting other more sensitive species.
Red Cedar - Description
This conifer grows on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains in the western United States and was introduced to Europe in 1853 by a renowned botanist, William Lobb. Western red cedar ( Thuja plicata ) presents a conical port, then a cylindrical one. Its bark purple, becomes gray and cracked with age. Its foliage, persistent in winter, consists of flattened twigs covered with leaves in the form of scales. These are arranged in opposite pairs, the successive pairs being 90 from each other. The highly branched foliage of this conifer gives off a strong aromatic odor when crumpled. Some varieties of thuja are golden in winter. Its twigs are green above and green with white spots below. It is a monoecious species , offering unisexual flowers in the form of small terminal catkins. Its cones, 15 to 20 mm long and 4 to 5 mm wide, are slender and formed of interlocking scales. Cedar is very resistant to diseases and fungi .
Red Cedar - Species requirements
Cedar prefers gravel soils, or even soils containing humus . The soil should normally have a low acidic or even alkaline pH level. This tree is sensitive to soil densification, but is very resistant to impurities in the air. It can therefore adapt to atmospheric pollution , but fears dry air and soil, as well as road salt.
It likes the sun or partial shade. It fears periods of drought and intense heat and that is why it is found in humid regions.
The Red Cedar's wood
The red cedar's wood has a unique smell. It is tender, light, and ranges from the yellow (on the outside) to pink brown. The wood is very resistant to rot, and is used to produce shingles, boats, exterior claddings and window frames.
The Red Cedar's symbolism
This sacred tree in many peoples is called"tree of life" because of its longevity and persistent greenery. In its country of origin, North America, it can live up to a thousand years! The cedar is a tree symbol of eternity and always inspires a sustainable and ecological birthday present!
Your thuja will fight climate change by storing CO2, purify the air and protect the life of millions of animal species: a great gift!
