Western Red Cedar vs Sitka Spruce - TreeTime.ca

Western Red Cedar vs Sitka Spruce

Thuja plicata

Picea sitchensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Western Red Cedar
Sitka 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.

Sitka Spruce is a native conifer and the largest spruce species in the world. It grows quickly and reaches impressive heights, often reaching more than 50 metres (164 feet) in suitable conditions. It has strong, durable wood that has long been recognised for its commercial value.

It contributes to soil stability and plays an important role in coastal ecosystems. It offers cover and nesting sites for birds and small animals, and its seeds provide food for wildlife such as songbirds and small mammals.

Sitka Spruce plays a role in reforestation and ecological restoration projects in Coastal BC. The Wright Brothers used Sitka Spruce wood to build the frames of their first flying machines.

Western Red Cedar Quick Facts

Sitka Spruce Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 5a
Height: 45 m (150 ft)
Height: 61 m (200 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Light: shade, partial shade
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Growth form: upright, conical
Spreading: seeds - low, layering - low
Suckering: none


Bark: thin, flaky, gray-brown to gray-purple
Cones: Reddish-brown, papery cones
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: BC
Other Names: giant cedar, pacific red cedar
Other Names: coast spruce, tideland spruce