PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; grows denser in full sun and tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently; established trees are drought-tolerant and require minimal supplemental watering.
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; thrives in cool, moist coastal climates and avoids prolonged extreme heat.
Characteristics
- Leaf: Scale-like, flattened, arranged in fan-shaped sprays; dark green with white markings beneath.
- Cone: Small oblong brown female cones (0.8–1.2 cm long); tiny yellow male cones release pollen in spring.
- Bark: Fibrous, reddish-brown, peeling in long, stringy strips.
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days during extended dry spells
Fertilization
Apply slow-release balanced fertilizer once in early spring. Refrain from fertilizing mature, established wild-grown trees.
Composted oak leaf mulch：Spread 5–7 cm of fully composted oak leaves around the base of the tree to enrich soil and retain moisture; avoid piling against the trunk.Pruning
- Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain desired shape; avoid heavy pruning of old wood as it may not regrow.
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to improve airflow and reduce pest risk.
- Thin dense foliage to allow light penetration into inner branches for even growth.
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to thujone content; may cause systemic distress.
Humans: Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset; concentrated essential oil is toxic in large doses.
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used by Indigenous Pacific Northwest peoples for traditional building, medicinal teas, and ceremonial purposes.
Usage: Timber for construction, ornamental hedge, windbreak, and erosion control.
