Black Hills Spruce vs Western Red Cedar - TreeTime.ca

Black Hills Spruce vs Western Red Cedar

Thuja plicata

Picea glauca var. densata

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Western Red Cedar
Black Hills Spruce

Western Red Cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest, and is the largest tree in the cypress family. Featuring horizontal branching with scale-like dark green foliage that has a strong aroma. The wood is naturally durable and light, and is resistant to decay and insects, making it sought after for house siding, paneling, furniture, and fences. This is British Columbia's official tree.

Black Hills Spruce is a subspecies of White Spruce native to the Black Hills of South Dakota. It has a strongly conical form, slower growth rate and denser foliage than typical white spruce, making it preferable as a specimen tree for smaller suburban lawns. It also responds well to pruning, and can be used as a hedge or even bonsai.

Western Red Cedar Quick Facts

Black Hills Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 2b
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 3 - 4 m (10 - 12 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: giant cedar, pacific red cedar