Thuja plicata Western Red-cedar

One of the iconic conifer species of the Pacific Northwest coastal forests where individuals may reach heights of 50 metres or more in coastal Douglas Fir forests. Western Red Cedar timber, known as arborvitae, is remarkably resistant to decay due to the high content of tropolones in its heartwood, which makes it an extremely valuable structural material. It was introduced to Britain in 1853 and is frequently seen in parks and estates. However, in West Glamorgan it is most abundant in the conifer plantations of Neath Port Talbot where there are several small stands, e.g. Afan Forest Park and Glyn Castle Forest (Resolven). Western Red Cedar grows well in the moist, cool climate of the Neath and Afan valleys where it occasionally exhibits natural regeneration and qualifies as a neophyte alien. It bears a resemblance to Lawson's Cypress, but mature Western Red Cedar trees are much taller and more graceful. The appearance, structure and the smell of the foliage (more 'fruity', recalling pineapple and less astringent) also differs from Lawson's Cypress.

Planted in conifer plantations but also occasionally regenerating saplings.