YELLOW CEDAR
chamaecyparis nootkatensis

• other common names: Nootka False-cypress, Alaska-cypress, Sitka-cypress, Yellow-cypress, Alaska-cedar, Alaska Yellow-cedar
• is a False Cypress not a Cedar
• "nootkatensis" refers to Nootka Sound on the west side of Vancouver Island where it was first identified

UNIQUE FEATURES:

• the broad, grooved trunk spreads out widely at the base
• has cone-shaped crown
• branches spread out and droop and have small, loosely hanging branchlets
• has a candelabra-like appearance

LOCATION:

• west of the Coast Mountains and on coast islands
• extends to sea level on the northern coast
• grows in mountains in southern BC
• likes deep, slightly acidic, moist soils
• grows singly or in small groups

SIZE:

• up to 24 metres tall
• up to 90 cm in diameter

CONES/FRUIT:

• rounded cones
• 6 - 12 mm in diameter
• berry-like in first year but later becoming woody
• 4 - 6 umbrella shaped scales on mature cones

NEEDLES/LEAVES:

• scale-like
• dark, bluish-green, slender
• twigs appear four-sided

BARK:

• narrow intersecting ridges on mature trees
• inside bark smells like potato skins

WOOD CHARACTERISTICS:

• pale yellow
• hard, very resistant to decay
• distinctive fragrance
• straight grain

USES:

• modern - boat building
• traditional - wood: ceremonial masks, paddles, dishes; bark: clothing, blankets