Western red cedar is a towering evergreen native to western North America. Its flattened sprays of small, scale-like leaves, fibrous reddish bark, and small upright cones help distinguish it from the other conifers of Pacific Northwest forests. Although commonly called a cedar, Thuja plicata belongs to the cypress family, not to Cedrus, the genus of true cedars.[1]
A tree of moist forests
Western red cedar grows in coastal and inland forests, often in places with reliable moisture. It is highly shade tolerant, allowing young trees to survive beneath a forest canopy while they slowly establish. Mature trees can live for many centuries. Their large trunks, fallen logs, and dense branches contribute structure and habitat to forest ecosystems.[1]
A living cultural tradition
Western red cedar has particular importance to Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast. Its wood has been used for buildings, canoes, and tools; bark and roots can be prepared as weaving materials. Coast Salish basket-making traditions include peeled and split cedar roots for coiled baskets, and cedar bark in other woven objects.[2]
These are not merely historical uses. Cedar remains part of living knowledge, artistic practice, and cultural relationships with the landscape. Luschiim's Plants, developed with Cowichan elder and plant expert Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie, documents the many roles of western red cedar in Hul'q'umi'num' knowledge.[3]
Foliage and hair care
The evergreen foliage has a distinctive green, resinous aroma, noticeable when its sprays are handled or distilled.
Ethnobotanical records describe cedar boughs steeped or boiled in water for use as hair and scalp washes, including traditional use for dandruff.[4] These preparations show a longstanding practical connection between cedar foliage and hair care.
At Deschampsia
We gather western red cedar foliage in Washington and distill it in our copper alembic still for Western Red Cedar Hydrosol. The resulting aromatic water is used as a facial or hair mist and as a room or linen spray.
We also infuse western red cedar leaves into the botanical oil blend for Hair & Scalp Elixir. In the elixir, cedar contributes its herbal and aromatic character to a conditioning oil designed for the hair and scalp.
Related Library entries: Hydrosols, Distillation, and Douglas Fir.
Photograph: Walter Siegmund · CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified original.
