The Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) is the official provincial tree of BC. Western redcedar is the preferred forestry and botanical spelling because it is not a true cedar (Cedrus species).
Western redcedar was (and remains) a mainstay of Indigenous life and culture BC. Known as the “tree of life” because it provided clothing, shelter, transportation and a medium for aboriginal art and craft work.
The tree reaches maturity in 350 years, with some specimens over 1,000 years old having been reported.
There is a Western redcedar planted on the Legislature grounds.
Its foliage is long, drooping and fern-like. It has has cones, which are oblong, 12-18mm long, the tips of which usually have 4 scales rounded with a very small prickle.
You can find more information on this interesting tree here
