However it has a very low shrinkage factor and is superior to all other coniferous woods in its resistance to warping twisting and checking. Western red cedar trees and shrubs are pyramidal in form.
Western red cedar is capable of living well over a thousand years.
Western red cedar eigenschaften. Western red cedar trees and shrubs are pyramidal in form. The trees may grow up to 60 metres about 200 feet tall and 6 metres in circumference measured above the strongly buttressed base. The cinnamon red or brownish outer bark is relatively thin fissured and scaly shedding in irregular flakes.
The inner bark is fibrous. Short horizontal or slightly drooping branches bear dense branchlet systems in flattened sprays that appear bright green on the upper side and dark waxy green beneath. Like all woods western red cedar is hygroscopic and will absorb or discharge moisture to attain equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere.
However it has a very low shrinkage factor and is superior to all other coniferous woods in its resistance to warping twisting and checking. Thuja plicata commonly called western red cedar or pacific red cedar giant arborvitae or western arborvitae giant cedar or shinglewood is a species of thuja an evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family cupressaceae native to western north america. It is not a true cedar of the genus cedrus.
Western red cedar is capable of living well over a thousand years. According to the washington state department of natural resources many trees over 1 500 years old have been discovered. Physical features of the plant.
The bark of the western red cedar s trunk is red brown to grey. Western red cedar is a versatile product suitable for cladding fencing and many other applications. It is a premium clear grade air dried.
Its smooth planed finish makes it easy to stain or paint if required as it is air dried allow it to acclimatise to the correct moisture content. Western red cedar was employed medicinally by a number of native north american indian tribes who used it to treat a wide range of complaints. It is seldom if ever used in modern herbalism.
An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of stomach pains and diarrhoea. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds. A durable yet soft timber western red cedar has good workability.
It cuts machines and glues well and can also be painted stained and polished. It also nails and screws well however if timber is damp it is corrosive to iron so hot dipped galvanized nails screws should be used where required.